Split Waveguide Data Link for High-Rate CT Gantry Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transmission systems in rotating systems, such as computed tomography scanners, are limited to data rates of 10 Gbit/s and suffer from significant bandwidth limitations and high insertion loss, impairing transmission quality.

Innovation Solution

A data transmission system using a split waveguide with optimized dimensions and mode-selective signal injection, incorporating ribs and termination with absorber material, to minimize leakage and dispersion, enabling high-frequency signal transmission up to several hundred Gbit/s.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional waveguide systems are used for data transmission in rotating systems, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth is limited and insertion loss is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidinsertion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple segments (first waveguide segment, second waveguide segment, third waveguide segment) that can rotate relative to each other. Each segment contains transmission lines with specific characteristics, allowing the system to maintain continuous signal transmission while accommodating rotational movement. This segmentation enables high data rates while managing insertion loss through optimized segment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different waveguide segments are designed with locally optimized properties - each segment has specific transmission line characteristics, dimensions, and material properties tailored to its position and function. The segments use different dielectric materials and conductor configurations to minimize insertion loss at specific interfaces while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If traditional waveguide systems are used for data transmission in rotating systems, then structural simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidbandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple segments (first waveguide segment, second waveguide segment, third waveguide segment) that can rotate relative to each other. Each segment contains transmission lines with specific characteristics, allowing the system to maintain continuous signal transmission while accommodating rotational movement. This segmentation enables high data rates while managing insertion loss through optimized segment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide system is designed to be dynamic, with segments that can rotate relative to each other while maintaining electrical connection. The system adapts its configuration during operation, allowing the rotor to rotate while the stator remains stationary. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain high bandwidth and data transmission rates throughout the rotation cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a split waveguide system is implemented to achieve high data rates, then data transmission capability is improved, but mechanical complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission rateVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple segments (first waveguide segment, second waveguide segment, third waveguide segment) that can rotate relative to each other. Each segment contains transmission lines with specific characteristics, allowing the system to maintain continuous signal transmission while accommodating rotational movement. This segmentation enables high data rates while managing insertion loss through optimized segment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple waveguide segments are combined to form a complete rotational data transmission system. The segments are integrated with the rotor and stator assemblies, merging the electromagnetic transmission function with the mechanical rotation function. This combination achieves high data rates while managing the complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of energy

If waveguide segments are positioned close together to minimize gap loss, then insertion loss is reduced, but mechanical tolerance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidmechanical tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different waveguide segments are designed with locally optimized properties - each segment has specific transmission line characteristics, dimensions, and material properties tailored to its position and function. The segments use different dielectric materials and conductor configurations to minimize insertion loss at specific interfaces while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes parameters such as gap distance, transmission line dimensions, and material properties to minimize insertion loss. By carefully controlling the gap between waveguide segments and optimizing the electrical characteristics of each segment, the system achieves low insertion loss while managing mechanical tolerance requirements through parameter optimization.

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 achieves data rates of up to 270 Gbit/s with reduced mechanical effort, minimizing insertion loss and multipath propagation, and is scalable for future photon-counting CT scanner applications.

Implementation Method 1

A waveguide (101) which enables mechanical movement between the rotor (102) and the stator (103) while efficiently transmitting electromagnetic power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the waveguide (101) is terminated with a termination (112) made of absorbing material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4687212A1Data transmission system for a waveguide-type computer tomograph
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 VENTURETEC ROTATING SYST GMBH
  • EP4687212A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4687212A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4687212A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device according to the invention for transmitting data between the rotating part and the stationary part of a computed tomography scanner, comprising a waveguide slotted in the longitudinal axis for transmitting high-bit-rate data signals.