Power Conditioning for Mobile Medical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical imaging systems require a strong and clean power source to function properly, which is challenging in mobile medical clinics or during power outages where traditional grid power is not available, leading to issues with voltage dips, spikes, and transients.

Innovation Solution

A power system that generates clean power for medical imaging systems using an engine and generator, with a bank of capacitors in series to filter out voltage irregularities, eliminating the need for a traditional UPS device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional grid power is used in mobile medical clinics, then power availability is improved, but power quality deteriorates due to voltage dips, spikes, and transients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidpower quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary power conditioning system between the generator and medical imaging equipment. This system includes voltage regulators, filters, and protection circuits that mediate the power transmission, blocking voltage dips, spikes, and transients while allowing clean power to reach the sensitive medical imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical UPS systems with an electronic power conditioning system. Instead of using mechanical batteries and switches, the invention uses electronic circuits including voltage regulators, transient suppressors, and active filtering to achieve the same power protection function with improved reliability and reduced maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional UPS devices are used to clean power, then power quality is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power conditioning functions into a single integrated system. The voltage regulation, transient suppression, and power filtering functions are merged into one unified power conditioning unit rather than using separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining power quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conditioning system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: voltage regulation, transient suppression, power factor correction, and protection against brownouts. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional UPS devices are used to clean power, then power quality is improved, but weight and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower qualityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy mechanical battery systems with lighter electronic power conditioning circuits. By using solid-state electronic components instead of large battery banks and mechanical switches, the system achieves the same power protection function with significantly reduced weight, making it suitable for mobile medical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If generators are used to provide backup power, then power availability is improved, but power quality deteriorates due to voltage irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availabilityVSAvoidpower quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The power conditioning system actively monitors and adjusts power parameters in real-time. When voltage irregularities are detected from the generator, the system automatically changes voltage levels, frequency, and wave shape to maintain clean power output, ensuring stable operation of medical imaging equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides a reliable and clean power supply to medical imaging systems, reducing the weight and space requirements for generators and eliminating wet-stacking issues, while ensuring consistent power for proper radiation dosing.

Implementation Method 1

A bank of capacitors may be placed in series and in electrical connection with both a power supply and inverter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12290479B2System for powering medical imaging systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 LIFELINE MOBILE INC

AI summary

Mobile medical clinic vehicles are disclosed. An enclosure is connected to a chassis and accommodates medical equipment items for patients and healthcare providers to utilize. One or more electrical components receive electrical power output from a generator, when operated, and provide a first output at a first voltage to a first subset of the medical equipment items and a second output at a second voltage to a second subset of the medical equipment items.