Hybrid Battery Layout for Mobile Radiography Power Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile x-ray apparatus face challenges in finding an optimal battery solution that balances power, runtime, and service life for both high-voltage components like the x-ray source and low-voltage subsystems like motor drives and computing electronics, while also considering size, weight, and cost factors.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid power supply system using different types of batteries, such as lithium-based and lead-acid batteries, is implemented, where each battery type is configured to supply power only to specific portions of the mobile radiography apparatus, matching their respective power demand characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single battery type is used to power both high-voltage and low-voltage components, then device complexity is reduced, but power supply optimization and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply system complexityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into two independent battery subsystems: a first battery (e.g., lead-acid) dedicated to high-voltage components like the x-ray tube, and a second battery (e.g., lithium-ion) dedicated to low-voltage components like the motor drive and control electronics. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for its specific voltage requirements and operational characteristics, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If lithium-based batteries are used for high-voltage components, then power density and runtime are improved, but cost and safety requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower densityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different battery chemistries are assigned to different functional zones based on their specific requirements: lead-acid batteries are used for high-voltage components where cost-effectiveness and proven reliability are priorities, while lithium-ion batteries are used for low-voltage components where high power density and long runtime are critical. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between power density and manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Duration of action of moving object

If larger batteries are used to extend runtime, then operational duration is improved, but weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveruntimeVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the chemical composition parameter of the batteries to achieve better runtime-to-weight ratios. By using lithium-ion batteries for low-voltage components, the system achieves extended runtime with significantly reduced weight compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, resolving the contradiction between runtime and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Power

If high-capacity batteries are used for x-ray source, then power availability is improved, but service life and reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidbattery service life
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses two separate battery copies specialized for different functions: a lead-acid battery optimized for high-power pulsed discharge to the x-ray source, and a lithium-ion battery optimized for sustained lower-power delivery to electronic systems. Each battery type is selected for its specific strength, resolving the contradiction between power availability and service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 approach provides a more optimal power supply solution by leveraging the strengths of each battery chemistry, enhancing the mobility and operational efficiency of the mobile radiography apparatus while minimizing compromises on size, weight, and cost.

Implementation Method 1

A hybrid power supply system using different types of batteries, such as lithium-based and lead-acid batteries, is implemented, where each battery type is configured to supply power only to specific portions of the mobile radiography apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS11986338B2Mobile radiography apparatus having multiple power supplies
Publication Date: 2024.05.21 CARESTREAM HEALTH INC
  • US11986338B2 patent drawing
  • US11986338B2 patent drawing
  • US11986338B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile radiography apparatus includes a hybrid power supply system which includes batteries of different types. Each of the different type batteries is configured to supply electric power to a different portion of the mobile radiography apparatus. The different electric power supply characteristics of each the different battery types is matched to a corresponding power demand characteristic of one of the different portions of the mobile radiography apparatus.