Rotating Capacitive Data Link for High Density CT Scanner Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current capacitive data link systems in CT scanners face challenges in achieving high data rates with low data losses and reliable diagnostics, especially in complex systems with multiple components, leading to misalignment and defective component issues that are difficult to diagnose accurately without a try-and-error approach, while also requiring compactness to fit within limited space.
Innovation Solution
A rotating capacitive data link system with multiple transmission line segments and receiving couplers, utilizing a multiplexing scheme and error or status matrix for precise diagnostics, including encoding and error correction, to ensure reliable data transmission and easy servicing without increasing system dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple capacitive links are combined with rotation angle dependent multiplexing to achieve high data rates, then data transmission bandwidth is improved, but system complexity increases making diagnostics difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the data transmission into multiple segments corresponding to different angular positions of the rotary joint. Each segment is handled by specific transmitter-receiver pairs, allowing the complex multiplexed system to be diagnosed by examining individual segments independently. This segmentation enables targeted diagnostics without requiring analysis of the entire complex system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary diagnostic actions by continuously monitoring transmission quality and detecting errors before they accumulate. The system performs preliminary checks on each capacitive link and multiplexed channel, identifying potential issues early in the transmission process rather than after data loss occurs. This allows preventive maintenance and avoids the need for trial-and-error debugging.
2Productivity
If multiple transmitter and receiver components are used to increase data rate, then transmission capacity is improved, but the number of potential error sources increases making error detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms where each receiver continuously monitors the quality of signals received from multiple transmitters. Error information is fed back to the control system, which uses this data to identify defective components. The feedback includes error rates, signal strength measurements, and synchronization status for each transmitter-receiver pair, enabling precise localization of faults among the multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual or digital indicators that change state based on component health status. Different error conditions are represented by distinct diagnostic signals or status indicators, allowing service personnel to quickly identify which specific transmitter or receiver is defective among the multiple components. This encoding of diagnostic information makes it easy to distinguish between different failure modes and locate the exact faulty component.
3Ease of repair
If traditional diagnosis methods are used in complex multiplexed systems, then single errors in single links can be found, but systematic errors and misalignments cannot be identified precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal and angular dimension to the diagnostic process by monitoring transmission quality across different rotational positions and time intervals. Instead of only checking for simple presence/absence of errors, the system measures transmission characteristics across multiple dimensions: angular position, time, frequency, and signal strength. This multi-dimensional approach enables precise identification of systematic errors and misalignments that single-point checks cannot detect.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system dynamically adapts its measurement strategy based on detected anomalies. When errors are detected, the system automatically adjusts the diagnostic routine to focus on affected channels, varying the measurement parameters and sampling rates. This dynamic diagnostic approach allows the system to precisely characterize both static misalignments and dynamic errors that occur during rotation, providing accurate identification of component failures.
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 achieves high data rates with low data losses and facilitates precise diagnostics, enabling fast identification of misalignment and defective components, thus simplifying commissioning and service operations while maintaining compactness suitable for CT scanners.
Implementation Method 1
High density rotary joint for contactless data transfer based on capacitive coupling technology
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
AI summary
A rotating capacitive data link system includes a first body rotatable relative to a second body. The first body has one or multiple circular signal transmission lines with multiple transmission line segments. The second body has multiple circular arranged sets of receiving couplers with multiple receiving couplers. Each of the sets of receiving couplers matches to one of the circular signal transmission lines, such that depending on the relative rotational position or angle between the first body and the second body multiple capacitive coupled paths between the transmission line segments and the receiving couplers of a matching set of receiving couplers exist. A receive signal processor is provided to generate a detailed error or status matrix of transmission errors.