Rotating Unit Generator for CT Scanner Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power coupling methods for rotating units in radiation systems, such as slip-ring assemblies and inductive couplers, are costly and require maintenance, and do not efficiently generate power within the rotating unit.
Innovation Solution
A radiation system with a rotating unit that includes a generator using rotational motion to produce power, where the generator's drive wheel rotates along a drive mechanism to create an electrical field, supplying power to electronic components within the rotating unit, potentially supplemented by auxiliary power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip-ring assemblies are used to transfer power, then power can be supplied to rotating units, but the system becomes costly and requires periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation function from the stationary unit and places it directly in the rotating unit. The rotating unit now generates its own power through a generator driven by the rotational motion, eliminating the need for external power transfer through slip-rings or inductive couplers. This resolves the contradiction by removing the complex power coupling apparatus while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating unit becomes self-sufficient by generating its own power through the integrated generator. The system uses its own rotational motion to drive the generator, which produces power for its electronic components. This self-powering approach eliminates dependency on external power transfer mechanisms, reducing both complexity and maintenance requirements while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If inductive couplers are used to transfer power, then power can be supplied wirelessly, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inductive coupler entirely by extracting the power generation capability to the rotating unit. Instead of wirelessly transferring power across an air gap with stringent alignment requirements, the rotating unit generates power locally, eliminating the precision alignment issue while maintaining efficient power delivery to electronic components.
3Ease of operation
If power is transferred from stationary to rotating unit, then electronic components can be powered, but costly power coupling apparatus is required
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating unit generates its own power through an integrated generator that converts rotational motion into electrical energy. This self-powering approach eliminates the need for external power coupling apparatus, simplifying the system while maintaining full power delivery capability to all electronic components on the rotating unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational motion of the rotating unit serves dual purposes: it performs the primary function of rotating the radiation source and detector, and simultaneously drives the generator to produce power. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power transfer mechanisms, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining operational ease.
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 reduces the reliance on costly power transfer methods and generates power within the rotating unit, enhancing efficiency and reducing maintenance needs while providing continuous power to electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to generate power based upon a rotational motion of the rotating unit relative to a stationary unit of the radiation system
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are described for generating power on a rotating unit of a system, such as a radiation system (e.g., CT system). The rotating unit comprises a generator that comprises a drive wheel. The drive wheel interfaces with a drive mechanism of a stationary unit. As the rotating unit is moved relative to the stationary unit, the drive wheel rotates along the drive mechanism causing power to be generated by the generator. The power may be supplied to one or more electronic components of the rotating unit.