Planar Transformer Isolation Circuit for Portable X-Ray Sources
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art x-ray source isolation circuits are prone to manufacturing variations, leading to failures due to manual winding, which results in high costs, material wastage, and environmental impact, as well as being bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for portable applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of a planar transformer-based isolation circuit with primary and secondary traces on circuit boards, allowing for repeatable and cost-effective manufacturing, reducing weight and size, and improving electromagnetic coupling, thereby enhancing the efficiency and portability of x-ray sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual winding method is used for transformer isolation circuit, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to variations leading to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical winding process with an automated planar transformer manufacturing process. The isolation circuit uses planar transformers fabricated on circuit boards through automated PCB manufacturing techniques, eliminating manual winding operations. This substitution achieves consistent manufacturing precision and reliability by using standardized, repeatable fabrication processes instead of skill-dependent manual operations.
2Reliability
If traditional transformer isolation circuit is used, then isolation function is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase making it bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transformer isolation circuit with the printed circuit board structure. The planar transformers are fabricated directly on the circuit board using conductive traces and copper layers, combining the isolation function with the mechanical support structure. This integration eliminates separate transformer components and reduces overall weight while maintaining electrical isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional wound transformers to two-dimensional planar transformer structures on the circuit board. By laying out the transformer windings as planar traces on the PCB surface, the design achieves the same isolation function in a flattened, space-efficient configuration that significantly reduces weight and volume.
3Reliability
If traditional transformer isolation circuit is used, then isolation function is achieved, but device size increases making it unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transformer isolation circuit with the printed circuit board structure. The planar transformers are fabricated directly on the circuit board using conductive traces and copper layers, combining the isolation function with the mechanical support structure. This integration eliminates separate transformer components and reduces overall weight while maintaining electrical isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional wound transformers to two-dimensional planar transformer structures on the circuit board. By laying out the transformer windings as planar traces on the PCB surface, the design achieves the same isolation function in a flattened, space-efficient configuration that significantly reduces weight and volume.
4Productivity
If manual winding method is used, then customization is possible, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical winding process with an automated planar transformer manufacturing process. The isolation circuit uses planar transformers fabricated on circuit boards through automated PCB manufacturing techniques, eliminating manual winding operations. This substitution achieves consistent manufacturing precision and reliability by using standardized, repeatable fabrication processes instead of skill-dependent manual operations.
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 achieves an 86% reduction in weight and 74% reduction in size of the isolation circuit, minimizing manufacturing failures and environmental impact, while enabling the use of x-ray sources in smaller spaces and reducing user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The planar transformer can include a primary trace and a secondary trace
Data Source
AI summary
In an x-ray source, an isolation circuit can isolate bias voltage at a cathode from a bias voltage at an alternating current source (AC source). The isolation circuit can transfer alternating current from the AC source to the cathode. The isolation circuit can be made repeatedly with minimal variation or failed parts, can be light, and can be small. The isolation circuit can include planar transformer(s). Each planar transformer can include a primary trace on a primary circuit board and a secondary trace on a secondary circuit board. The primary trace and the secondary trace can each include a spiral shape. The primary trace can be located in close proximity to the secondary trace such that alternating electrical current through the primary trace will induce alternating electrical current through the secondary trace.