Voltage Control Modules for X-ray Electrode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage systems, such as interventional X-ray systems, face challenges in rapidly switching voltages without damaging control units like gate drivers and sensitive electronics, often requiring oversized and expensive components due to susceptibility to rapidly changing voltages.
Innovation Solution
A circuit assembly with plural voltage control modules, including on/off, balancing, and fine-tuning circuit portions, configured in series to control voltage delivered to X-ray electrodes, using a transformer to transfer energy and passive/active gate drives to manage voltage changes, allowing for efficient and inexpensive voltage control with readily available components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control units use oversized and expensive electronic components to protect against rapidly changing voltages, then reliability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage control circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the high voltage system and the control unit. This circuit includes switching elements and capacitors that actively manage voltage transitions, preventing rapid voltage changes from reaching the control unit while allowing the control unit to use smaller, less expensive components
2Productivity
If voltage switching is performed rapidly (within microseconds), then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to voltage spikes damaging control units
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage control circuit performs preliminary actions by pre-charging capacitors and positioning switching elements before the main voltage transition occurs. This preparation allows the system to execute rapid voltage switching while the control circuit manages the transition smoothly, preventing damaging voltage spikes
Solution Approach 2:
Capacitors in the voltage control circuit are charged in advance to provide cushioning during voltage transitions. When rapid voltage switching is required, these pre-charged capacitors absorb and release energy to smooth out voltage spikes, protecting the control unit while enabling fast switching
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit assembly includes plural voltage control modules configured to be operably coupled in series to a connection and configured to control voltage delivered to an X-ray electrode. Each voltage module includes an on/off circuit portion, a balancing circuit portion, and a tuning circuit portion. The on/off circuit portion is configured to provide a voltage for activating or deactivating the X-ray electrode. The balancing circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the on/off circuit portion, and includes a capacitor and a resistor coupled in parallel. The tuning circuit portion is coupled in parallel to the balancing circuit portion and the on/off circuit portion, and is configured to adjust a voltage provided to the X-ray electrode.