High Voltage Generator Inverter Temperature Prediction for Scan Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging devices face overheating issues in high voltage generators due to power loss, leading to potential shutdowns and cancellation of scans, which can be costly and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A method for calculating temperature information in the inverter assembly of a high voltage generator, using power loss data, thermodynamic coefficients, and cooling fluid temperature data to predict and prevent overheating, allowing for extended component lifespan and safer operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional overheating protection is used, then safety is improved, but scan cancellation and operational interruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling pauses between scans based on calculated temperature information before overheating occurs, preventing scan cancellations while maintaining safety. The load calculator predicts temperature buildup and schedules cooling periods in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors power loss data, thermodynamic coefficients, and cooling fluid temperature to calculate real-time temperature information, creating a feedback loop that adjusts operation to prevent both overheating and unnecessary scan interruptions.
2Productivity
If continuous operation is maintained, then productivity is improved, but overheating and component damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates required cooling pause durations in advance based on power loss data and thermodynamic coefficients, scheduling cooling periods before critical temperatures are reached, thus maintaining productivity while preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pause duration is dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature calculations considering power loss, thermodynamic coefficients, and cooling fluid temperature, optimizing the balance between continuous operation and heat dissipation.
3Temperature
If cooling pauses are implemented, then temperature control is improved, but operational time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial cooling pauses only when necessary based on calculated temperature information, rather than implementing continuous cooling, thus maintaining temperature control while minimizing operational time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling pause duration is optimized by changing operational parameters such as power loss levels, thermodynamic coefficients, and cooling fluid temperature to minimize cooling time while maintaining effective temperature control.
4Reliability
If temperature monitoring is enhanced, then overheating protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex physical temperature sensors and monitoring hardware with a computational approach, using the load calculator to determine temperature information from power loss data, thermodynamic coefficients, and cooling fluid temperature measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The load calculator acts as an intermediary, translating readily available data (power loss, thermodynamic coefficients, cooling fluid temperature) into temperature information without requiring direct temperature measurement, thus simplifying the monitoring system.
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
This method effectively prevents overheating by providing precise temperature information, enabling cost-effective extension of high voltage generator lifespan and ensuring continuous medical imaging operations.
Implementation Method 1
In the inverter, in particular in the semiconductor junctions of the inverter, heat is produced on account of power loss
Implementation Method 2
a conduction of heat from the inverter to the cooling body
Implementation Method 3
a transfer of heat from the cooling body to a cooling fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing temperature information that relates to an inverter assembly having an inverter and a cooling body, comprises: receiving power loss data that relates to the inverter; receiving a set of thermodynamic coefficients that relates to a heating of the inverter, which is caused by power loss, a conduction of heat from the inverter to the cooling body and a transfer of heat from the cooling body to a cooling fluid; receiving cooling fluid temperature data that relates to the cooling fluid; calculating the temperature information based on the power loss data, the set of thermodynamic coefficients and the cooling fluid temperature data; and providing the temperature information.