Power Sequencing Circuit for Medical Detector Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex systems like medical imaging systems, such as PET systems, face significant inrush current issues when multiple subsystems are powered simultaneously, leading to power fluctuations and module resets, especially in systems without backplanes and with limited pin configurations.
Innovation Solution
A power sequencing circuit with an accelerometer is integrated into electronic detector modules to determine their positions relative to the Earth's gravity vector, allowing a control circuit to manage power supply based on unique position information, thereby sequencing power delivery to limit inrush currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple subsystems are powered simultaneously, then system functionality is achieved, but inrush current increases causing power fluctuations and module resets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing power sequencing that activates subsystems in a predetermined sequence based on their physical positions rather than simultaneously. The system determines positions using sensors (e.g., accelerometers, GPS) and activates modules sequentially, starting with those furthest from the power source, to limit inrush current before full system functionality is achieved.
2Power
If power sequencing is implemented using backplane slot addressing, then inrush current is limited, but system complexity increases and requires additional configuration pins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling subsystems to automatically determine their own physical positions using onboard sensors (accelerometers, GPS receivers, barometers) and autonomously sequence their power activation based on position data. This eliminates the need for manual backplane slot addressing or additional configuration pins, as each module independently identifies its position and activates in the appropriate sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical backplane slot addressing system with a sensor-based position detection system. Instead of using physical slot positions or pin configurations to determine activation sequence, the system uses accelerometers, GPS, and other sensors to detect physical position and uses this data to control power sequencing, substituting mechanical addressing with sensor-based spatial awareness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If position-based power sequencing is implemented, then inrush current is limited without backplane addressing, but additional sensors and control circuits are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using multi-functional sensors that serve both position detection and power sequencing control functions. The same sensor system (accelerometers, GPS, barometers) that determines physical position also provides the data basis for activating power sequencing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control circuits and reducing overall system complexity despite the added adaptability.
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 effectively limits inrush current demands on the power supply by strategically powering subsets of electronic detector modules based on their positions, preventing power fluctuations and module resets in medical imaging systems without the need for addressable backplane slots.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer that detects a position of the electronic detector module
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic detector module includes an array of detection crystals that emits light in response to electromagnetic radiation, and at least one detector that detects the light emitted by the crystal array and that generates an output based on the light detected. The electronic detector module also includes a power sequencing circuit including an accelerometer that detects a position of the electronic detector module, and a control circuit that provides power to the electronic detector module based on the position.