Wireless Power Distribution for Mobile Radiographic Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile radiographic image capturing apparatuses face challenges with battery-powered systems, including lengthy charging times, the need for dedicated charging facilities, and limited mobility due to battery weight, which restricts the number of images that can be captured and hinders immediate recapturing or additional imaging in emergency or outdoor settings.

Innovation Solution

A radiographic image capturing apparatus featuring a mobile cart unit with a detachable radiation source and detector, utilizing an electric power supply activator and manager to enable flexible power distribution between the radiation source and detector based on permission, allowing for wireless power transmission and efficient use of batteries, thereby reducing power consumption and minimizing battery usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a battery-powered mobile radiographic image capturing apparatus is used, then the apparatus can be moved to various locations including outdoor settings, but the battery weight reduces mobility and the charging time is lengthy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemobility to various locationsVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the power supply into multiple batteries that can be distributed across different devices (radiation source device and detector device). Each device has its own battery, allowing independent operation and eliminating the need to carry a single large battery for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation source device and detector device can function independently with separate batteries. The system is designed to work whether devices are connected or separated, providing universal functionality in both integrated and distributed configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a battery-powered mobile radiographic image capturing apparatus is used, then the apparatus can operate without fixed charging facilities, but the charging time is lengthy and power capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation without fixed charging facilitiesVSAvoidcharging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent batteries in different devices. This allows parallel operation and eliminates the single-point bottleneck of charging, as multiple devices can be charged simultaneously or operated independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operational capability by allowing the radiation source and detector to function independently when separated. Image capturing can continue even if one device needs charging, as the other can remain operational.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple batteries are used in the mobile radiographic image capturing apparatus, then the power capacity increases, but the device complexity and power management difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidpower management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each device (radiation source device and detector device) manages its own battery independently. The system automatically detects the connection state and power status of each device, eliminating the need for complex centralized power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic detection of connection states and power statuses. The controller receives feedback from each device about its battery status and adjusts operation accordingly, simplifying power management through automated monitoring and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Volume of moving object

If the radiation source device and detector device are integrated, then the system is compact, but the flexibility to distribute power and operate independently is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidflexibility to distribute power
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to dynamically adapt between integrated and separated configurations. The connection state can change during operation, and the system automatically adjusts its power management and operational mode based on whether devices are connected or separated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal functionality in both integrated and separated configurations. Whether devices are connected or separated, the radiographic image capturing apparatus can perform its intended function, providing versatility across different operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the apparatus to operate effectively outdoors with reduced battery consumption, enhancing mobility and the ability to capture radiographic images efficiently in various settings such as medical organizations, accident sites, and disaster areas without the need for dedicated charging facilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first energy converter (310) connected to the first input-output unit (300) and having an input terminal connected to the first output terminal and an output terminal connected to the second input terminal, wherein the first energy converter (310) converts input electric power to output electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

capable of wirelessly transmitting electric power to the second radiographic apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9942972B2Radiographic image capturing apparatus and method for supplying electric power thereto
Publication Date: 2018.04.10 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US9942972B2 patent drawing
  • US9942972B2 patent drawing
  • US9942972B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a mobile cart unit, a plurality of devices used for capturing a radiographic image, and an electric power supply activator enabling supply of electric power between the devices, based on an instruction of permission to supply electric power.