Imaging Detector Thermodynamic Equilibrium Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern computed tomography systems with direct conversion X-ray detectors based on cadmium telluride or cadmium zinc telluride require several hours to reach a stable state of thermodynamic equilibrium, leading to inefficiencies in daily operations and potential energy wastage if continuously powered, while attempting to maintain equilibrium through intelligent power supply configurations is prone to faults.
Innovation Solution
An imaging medical device with a primary power supply for operation and an ancillary power supply to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium in the detector during non-operating states, allowing the detector to remain in a state of readiness with minimal power consumption, featuring a control unit that transports the movable device part into an idle position and uses induction coils for contactless energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary power supply is kept continuously on to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium in the detector, then the detector remains ready for operation, but energy consumption increases significantly due to the basic load of other consumer loads
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent parts: a primary power supply for all consumer loads and an ancillary power supply specifically for the detector. This allows the detector to be powered independently during non-operating states, maintaining thermodynamic equilibrium without requiring the entire system to remain powered, thus reducing energy consumption while preserving detector readiness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply is switched off during non-operating states to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but the detector loses thermodynamic equilibrium and requires several hours to reach operational state
Solution Approach 1:
The ancillary power supply is activated before the primary power supply during system startup. This preliminary action allows the detector to reach thermodynamic equilibrium in advance, so that when the primary power supply is switched on, the detector is already ready for immediate operation, eliminating the several-hour wait time while still allowing the primary power supply to be switched off during non-operating states to save energy.
3Loss of energy
If the primary power supply is divided into switching states with intelligence to differentiate operating modes, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The control intelligence for managing power supply states is extracted from the primary power supply and implemented as a separate control unit. This unit independently manages the ancillary power supply and communicates with the control electronics of other components, allowing the primary power supply to maintain simple switching states while still achieving energy efficiency through coordinated control of the ancillary supply.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the control electronics unit is incorporated into the communication between other electronics components, then system integration improves, but signal errors may occur during transition from ancillary to primary operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to wait until the communication capability of other electronics components is fully established before activating the ancillary power supply or initiating transitions. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the communication infrastructure is ready and stable, preventing signal errors during transitions while still maintaining system integration through the incorporated control unit.
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
Enables the detector to be quickly and reliably placed in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, reducing operational downtime and energy consumption while maintaining stability and reliability, especially in medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
an ancillary power supply which is designed to maintain a thermodynamic equilibrium in the active material of the detector in a non-operating state of the imaging medical device in order to keep the detector in a state of readiness
Implementation Method 2
wherein the ancillary power supply comprises a second energy transmission path having an energy-delivering component arranged on the stationary device part and an energy-receiving component arranged on the movable device part, in which case the energy-delivering component and the energy-receiving component each comprise an induction coil
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging medical device includes a detector including an active material which is serviceable in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, a primary power supply designed to supply the imaging medical device with power in an operating state, and an ancillary power supply designed to maintain a thermodynamic equilibrium in the active material of the detector in a non-operating state of the imaging medical device to keep the detector in a state of readiness. A method for operating such an imaging medical device is disclosed, wherein in the operating state, the imaging medical device is supplied with power via the primary power supply, and wherein in the non-operating state, a thermodynamic equilibrium is maintained in the active material of the detector, with power supplied by the ancillary power supply. The detector is thereby kept in a state of readiness.

