Wireless Inductive Power Interface for X-Ray Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems face reliability issues due to wear and tear on wiring and cabling, as well as contamination of connector contacts, leading to maintenance problems and electromagnetic interference (EMI) that causes image artifacts.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductive power coupling and capacitive communication coupling between the X-ray imaging system and the portable digital X-ray detector eliminates the need for connectors, cabling, and wiring, reducing EMI and enhancing reliability by using receiver and transmitter coils for power transfer and capacitive plates for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors, cabling and wiring are used for power and communication between the X-ray imaging system and portable digital X-ray detector, then power and communication can be transferred, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and tear on wiring and cabling, and contamination of connector contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connector-cabling system with electromagnetic coupling systems. Inductive coupling uses magnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating physical connectors and wiring that suffer from wear and contamination. Capacitive coupling uses electric fields for communication, also eliminating the need for physical electrical contacts. This substitution directly resolves the reliability issue caused by mechanical degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as intermediaries between the power source and detector, and between communication devices and the detector. The inductive coupling coil acts as an intermediary for power transfer, and capacitive coupling plates act as intermediaries for communication. These intermediaries enable energy and information transfer without direct physical contact, eliminating the wear and contamination problems of direct electrical connections.
2Use of energy by moving object
If connectors and cabling are used for power transfer, then power can be supplied to the detector, but maintenance problems increase due to wear and tear on wiring and cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power transfer connections with inductive electromagnetic coupling. The transmitter coil in the imaging system and receiver coil in the detector create magnetic field coupling that transfers power without physical connectors. This eliminates wear and tear on wiring and cabling, making the system much easier to maintain and repair.
3Device complexity
If inductive power coupling is used between the X-ray imaging system and portable digital X-ray detector, then connectors and cabling are eliminated, but electromagnetic interference occurs that causes image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acknowledges that inductive coupling generates electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can cause image artifacts, but converts this harmful effect into a beneficial one. The EMI is used as the mechanism for wireless power transfer, and the system manages the interference through careful design of the coupling geometry and frequency selection. The same electromagnetic fields that could cause artifacts are harnessed to provide wireless power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electromagnetic coupling in specific localized regions between the transmitter and receiver coils. The inductive coupling is optimized to occur only in the immediate proximity of the coils, minimizing EMI propagation to other parts of the system. This localized approach reduces unwanted electromagnetic interference while maintaining effective power transfer.
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 solution provides a robust, reliable power and communication interface that minimizes EMI, improving the reliability of the X-ray imaging system and reducing image artifacts, while also simplifying maintenance by eliminating cumbersome wiring and cabling.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one receiver coil and the at least one transmitter coil are inductively coupled to each other when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system to transfer power from the power supply to the detector battery
Data Source
AI summary
A system for eliminating image artifacts caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) on a portable digital x-ray detector that is capable of non-contact wireless inductively coupled power transfer. An X-ray imaging system comprising a portable digital X-ray detector having detector circuitry coupled to at least one receiver coil, and a power source including a power supply coupled to a signal filter device and coupled to at least one transmitter coil, wherein the power source is coupled to a detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system, and wherein the at least one receiver coil and the at least one transmitter coil are inductively coupled to each other when the portable digital X-ray detector is located within the detector receptacle of the X-ray imaging system to transfer power from the power supply to the detector circuitry.