Flexible HV Connector Assembly for Stable X-Ray Tube Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage connectors in medical imaging systems face challenges with air bubble formation in electrical interfaces, leading to high voltage stress and potential degradation of components, especially in next-generation systems with higher voltage capabilities, which increases the risk of failures during field use.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage connector assembly comprising a generator side interface, tube side interface, and an insulated conductor that allows flexible positioning, enabling easy replacement and maintenance, reducing air bubbles, and enhancing electrical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the HV generator is placed away from the imaging room with the HV cable routed a substantial distance, then the imaging room space is optimized and noise is reduced, but the complexity of the electrical interface increases and the risk of air bubble formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interface is segmented into modular components: a connector assembly with receptacle and plug, a bracket assembly for positioning, and a flexible conduit for cable routing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining the separated generator configuration.
2Reliability
If the electrical interface is filled with dielectric oil for insulation and cooling, then high voltage stability is improved, but air bubble formation occurs leading to high voltage stress and potential component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is pre-filled with dielectric oil during manufacturing before field installation. This preliminary action ensures proper filling and eliminates air bubbles before the connector is installed in the field, preventing high voltage stress and component degradation throughout the device's operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a removable unit that can be extracted from the X-ray tube assembly. This allows the entire connector, including its dielectric oil fill, to be replaced as a single unit if issues arise, rather than attempting to service the oil-filled interface in place where air bubbles could form.
3Device complexity
If the generator side interface is fixed in position, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but installation and maintenance become difficult and equipment downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly provides adjustable positioning of the generator-side interface, allowing it to be moved between a first position optimized for installation/maintenance access and a second position for operational use. This dynamic positioning capability simplifies both installation and maintenance while maintaining structural integrity.
4Loss of time
If the connector allows flexible positioning for easy maintenance, then equipment downtime is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a connector assembly and a bracket assembly, allowing the bracket to provide positioning flexibility while the connector assembly remains a simple, standardized component. This segmentation adds maintenance flexibility without significantly increasing the complexity of the high-voltage electrical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design reduces equipment downtime, increases system longevity, and enhances electrical stability by minimizing high voltage stress through flexible positioning and easy maintenance, allowing higher X-ray tube voltage capability.
Implementation Method 1
During installation, the electrical interface between the HV generator and the X-ray tube may be filled with dielectric oil for insulation, cooling, and high voltage stability.
Implementation Method 2
During installation, the electrical interface between the HV generator and the X-ray tube may be filled with dielectric oil for insulation, cooling, and high voltage stability.
Implementation Method 3
During installation, the electrical interface between the HV generator and the X-ray tube may be filled with dielectric oil for insulation, cooling, and high voltage stability.
Implementation Method 4
an insulated conductor flexibly coupling the generator side interface to the tube side interface
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for increasing installation efficiency and high voltage stability of high voltage connector of a medical imaging system (10). In one embodiment, a high voltage connector for a medical imaging system (10) comprises a generator side interface (404) configured to couple to a high voltage generator, a tube side interface (406) configured to couple to an X-ray tube (40), and an insulated conductor (408) flexibly coupling the generator side interface (404) and the tube side interface (406), wherein the generator side interface (404) is positionable in an installation position (700) and an operational position (800).