High-Voltage Connector Assembly for Bubble-Free 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, resulting in increased risk of failures during field use.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage connector assembly with a generator side interface, tube side interface, and insulated conductor that allows flexible positioning, featuring a bracket assembly for easy cable 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 cable and connector are subjected to increased high voltage stress and potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: the HV generator is segmented from the imaging device and placed in a remote equipment room, connected via HV cable. This segmentation allows the generator to be isolated from the imaging environment while maintaining electrical connection, reducing noise and optimizing space in the imaging room.
Solution Approach 2:
The HV cable acts as an intermediary component transmitting high voltage between the remotely located generator and the X-ray tube. The cable is specifically designed with appropriate insulation and shielding to handle the high voltage stress over substantial distances, enabling reliable power transmission while isolating the generator from the imaging environment.
2Reliability
If the electrical interface is filled with dielectric oil for insulation and cooling, then high voltage stability is improved, but air bubble formation can occur leading to high voltage stress and component degradation
Solution Approach 1:
Dielectric oil is used to create an inert environment within the electrical interface, replacing air to eliminate oxygen and other gases that could form bubbles. The oil provides both electrical insulation and thermal cooling while preventing air bubble formation that would cause high voltage stress and component degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design acknowledges that air bubbles are harmful but converts this issue into a benefit by using dielectric oil that not only provides insulation and cooling but also prevents bubble formation entirely. The oil's properties transform the potential harm of gas presence into the benefit of a stable, bubble-free dielectric medium.
3Device complexity
If the generator side interface is fixed in position, then the structure is simpler, but installation and maintenance become more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The generator side interface is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be adjusted between different orientations and positions. This dynamic feature enables optimal positioning during installation and maintenance operations while maintaining electrical connection, making cable replacement and connector servicing significantly easier without requiring complete disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to be pre-positioned in optimal orientations for maintenance activities. The bracket assembly allows the interface to be preliminarily adjusted to accessible positions before cable replacement or servicing begins, reducing installation and maintenance time by eliminating the need for complex repositioning during procedures.
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 performance by minimizing high voltage stress through improved electrical stability and ease of maintenance.
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.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for increasing installation efficiency and high voltage stability of high voltage connector of a medical imaging system. In one embodiment, a high voltage connector for a medical imaging system comprises a generator side interface configured to couple to a high voltage generator, a tube side interface configured to couple to an X-ray tube, and an insulated conductor flexibly coupling the generator side interface and the tube side interface, wherein the generator side interface is positionable in an installation position and an operational position.