Wireless Imager In-Bucky Charging Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless imagers in radiographic imaging systems require frequent battery charging and replacement, disrupting hospital workflow and potentially causing image artifacts due to interference during inductive charging within the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables in-bucky wireless charging of wireless digital imagers using a charging mat integrated with the radiographic imager, allowing for simultaneous power transfer and communication alignment to pause energy transmission during image acquisition, minimizing interference and extending imager availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If inductive charging is implemented within the imaging system, then battery charging capability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to interference during imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic charging cycles where the imager is removed from the bucky tray for charging, then returned for imaging. This temporal separation ensures charging occurs only when not needed for imaging, eliminating interference while maintaining battery charge status. The controller manages this periodic on/off charging pattern based on imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary charging actions by removing the imager from the bucky tray and placing it on a charging surface before imaging sessions begin. This advance charging preparation ensures the battery is sufficiently charged prior to imaging operations, preventing the need for charging during active imaging and thus avoiding interference.
2Reliability
If frequent battery charging and replacement is performed, then battery charge status is maintained, but workflow efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service charging where the imager automatically charges itself during idle periods by being placed on a charging surface within the bucky tray assembly. This eliminates the need for manual battery removal and replacement, allowing the imager to maintain its own charge status autonomously and reducing workflow interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging surface is integrated into the bucky tray assembly, merging the charging function with the imaging support structure. This combination allows the imager to charge while positioned in its operational location, eliminating the need for separate charging operations and reducing workflow steps.
3Productivity
If in-bucky wireless charging is implemented, then imager availability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless charging components are extracted from the imager itself and placed on the charging surface within the bucky tray assembly. This separation allows the imager to maintain simplicity while the charging functionality is provided by the external charging surface, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging surface serves multiple functions: it provides wireless charging capability, acts as a support surface for the imager, and integrates with the bucky tray assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated charging components, thereby reducing system complexity.
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 solution reduces the need for frequent battery replacements, maintains imager availability, and minimizes image artifacts by pausing energy transfer during imaging, thereby improving workflow efficiency and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power receiver configured to receive energy wirelessly and provide at least part of that energy to the power system
Implementation Method 2
a wireless power transmitter configured to transmit energy wirelessly
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include a radiographic imaging system, comprising: a radiographic imager, including: an imaging array; imager control logic configured to control the imaging array; a power system configured to supply power to at least the imaging array and the imager control logic; a wireless power receiver configured to receive energy wirelessly and provide at least part of that energy to the power system; and a wireless communication transmitter; and a charging mat, including: a wired power input; a wireless power transmitter configured to transmit energy wirelessly; and a wireless communication receiver; wherein the wireless power receiver, the wireless power transmitter, the wireless communication receiver, and the wireless communication transmitter are positioned such that the radiographic imager can be placed on the charging mat where, simultaneously, the wireless power receiver is aligned with the wireless power transmitter and the wireless communication receiver is aligned with the wireless communication transmitter.