Radiographic Detector Power Control via Connector Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiographic image capturing apparatuses configured to automatically turn on/off with external devices can be inconvenient for users, as they may turn off unexpectedly when detached or when the external device is switched off, leading to difficulties in operation and increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic image capturing apparatus equipped with a controller that detects coupling/uncoupling with external connectors and power availability, allowing it to maintain or turn off the device based on these conditions, ensuring proper control over its on/off state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the radiographic image capturing apparatus is configured to automatically turn off when the external device is switched off, then power consumption is reduced, but the apparatus may turn off against the operator's intention when detached for portable use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a connector coupling detector to monitor the connection state between the external connector and the radiographic image capturing apparatus. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to distinguish between intentional detachment (uncoupled state) and normal operation (coupled state), enabling intelligent power management that prevents automatic shutdown during portable use while maintaining energy savings during stationary use
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic on/off control behavior is made dynamic based on the connection state. When the connector is coupled, the apparatus automatically turns off with the external device to save power. When the connector is uncoupled, the apparatus maintains its on state for portable operation. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between power saving and operational convenience
2Loss of energy
If the radiographic image capturing apparatus is configured to automatically turn off when power supply stops, then unnecessary power consumption is prevented, but the apparatus cannot be used for portable radiographic imaging when detached from the capturing table
Solution Approach 1:
The connector coupling detector provides real-time feedback on the connection state to the control unit. This feedback enables the system to differentiate between power supply interruption due to external device shutdown (where automatic off is appropriate) and power supply interruption due to detachment for portable use (where automatic off should be prevented), thus resolving the contradiction between energy conservation and portable functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The connector coupling detector acts as an intermediary that mediates between the power supply detector and the control unit. It provides additional contextual information about the connection state, enabling the control unit to make intelligent decisions about whether to automatically shut down, thereby preserving both energy efficiency and portable operational capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the radiographic image capturing apparatus is manually turned on while connected to a switched-off external device, then the apparatus can operate independently, but it will automatically turn off when the external device is switched on
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the connection state through the connector coupling detector and adjusts its automatic on/off behavior accordingly. When the connector is uncoupled during manual operation, the apparatus maintains its on state. When the connector is coupled and the external device is switched on, the apparatus automatically turns on. This feedback-based approach maintains operational stability while preserving independent operation capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes the following. A connector coupling detector detects coupling between an external connector and a connector of the radiographic image capturing apparatus. A power supply detector detects an available state of external electric power. A controller controls a turned-on and a turned-off state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus. At a timing when the power supply detector detects a change from the available state to the unavailable state of the external electric power, the controller turns off the radiographic image capturing apparatus if the connector coupling detector detects the coupling between the external connector and the connector of the radiographic image capturing apparatus, or the controller maintains the turned-on state if the connector coupling detector detects the uncoupling between the external connector and the connector of the radiographic image capturing apparatus.