Integrated Gantry Drive for Contactless Power Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gantry drives for computed tomography apparatuses require significant installation space for separate mechanical and electrical power transmission systems, leading to inefficiencies and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A gantry drive system utilizing a multiphase motor with a multiphase stator and rotor, which provides both mechanical drive power and electrical supply power through a rotating-field power, reducing the need for separate power transmission systems and minimizing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical and electrical power transmission systems are used in conventional gantry drives, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical drive function and electrical power transmission function into a single integrated multiphase motor system. The motor's rotating field simultaneously provides mechanical torque for gantry rotation and induces electrical power for the payload apparatus, eliminating the need for separate transmission systems and reducing installation space while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The multiphase motor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mechanical drive for rotating the gantry and as a generator for providing electrical power to the payload apparatus. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what were previously separate systems into one universal device
2Power
If a conventional direct drive with permanently excited synchronous motor is used, then mechanical drive power is provided, but electrical supply power for the payload must be transmitted separately through additional transmission mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical drive function and electrical power generation function into a single multiphase motor system. The motor's rotating magnetic field simultaneously produces mechanical torque and induces electrical power in the rotor windings, eliminating the need for separate power transmission mechanisms and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical power transmission systems (gears, belts, couplings) with an electromagnetic system. The multiphase motor uses electromagnetic fields to simultaneously provide mechanical drive and electrical power, substituting complex mechanical transmission with a more compact electromagnetic solution
3Power
If contact-based power transmission with brush and slip ring is used, then electrical supply power can be transmitted, but maintenance effort and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transmission system (brush and slip ring) with a contactless electromagnetic induction system. Electrical power is transmitted through the rotating magnetic field induced in the rotor windings, eliminating mechanical contact, wear, and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable power transmission
4Speed
If power is kept in reserve for acceleration stage in conventional gantry drives, then fast acceleration is achieved, but power is underutilized in the continuation stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power allocation where the multiphase motor's output is continuously adjusted based on operational requirements. During acceleration, full power is available for rapid speed increase; during the continuation stage, the motor dynamically allocates power between mechanical drive and electrical generation, ensuring optimal utilization throughout the entire operational cycle rather than maintaining static power reserves
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 proposed solution enables faster acceleration of the gantry drive, increased maximum electrical supply power, and reduced maintenance efforts, while also saving installation space and improving overall efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the multiphase stator and the multiphase rotor form a multiphase motor for providing a rotating-field power
Data Source
AI summary
A gantry drive includes a multiphase stator, a multiphase rotor, a tunnel-shaped cavity configured to receive a patient, and a controller. The multiphase rotor spatially surrounds the cavity. The multiphase stator and the multiphase rotor form a multiphase motor configured to produce a rotating-field power. A first portion of the rotating-field power provides a mechanical drive power to produce a rotational movement of the multiphase rotor, and a second portion of the rotating-field power provides an electrical supply power for a payload apparatus. The controller is configured to vary at least one of the first portion or the second portion.