Wireless Power Transmitter for Mobile X-ray Cart Detectors
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for charging wireless digital radiography detectors in mobile x-ray carts are restrictive, requiring separate bins and connectors for each detector size, limiting flexibility and efficiency, and often necessitating additional batteries for retrofitted carts, while traditional wireless charging requires direct contact and can only charge one device at a time.
Innovation Solution
A mobile radiography system with a power transmitter that uses omni-directional or directed wireless power signals in the gigahertz range to charge battery-powered devices, including digital radiography detectors, barcode readers, and other accessories without the need for physical connectors or specific orientations, allowing for simultaneous charging of multiple devices within a 30-foot radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wired charging methods are used with separate bins and connectors for each detector size, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and cart configuration complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired charging system (physical connectors and charging ports) with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. The power transmitter uses electromagnetic fields to transfer power to detectors without physical contact, eliminating the need for matching connectors and charging ports for different detector sizes. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable power transfer while dramatically reducing cart configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmitter is designed to universally charge multiple detector sizes simultaneously without requiring separate charging mechanisms for each size. A single omnidirectional or directed wireless power signal can charge small, medium, and large detectors at the same time, making the charging system universal and eliminating the need for size-specific bins and connectors.
2Ease of operation
If traditional conductive/inductive wireless charging is used, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but only one device can be charged at a time and direct physical contact is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple charging operations into a single wireless power transmission process. The power transmitter can simultaneously charge multiple detectors (small, medium, large) at once using electromagnetic fields, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate charging operations into one unified process, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact requirement of traditional wireless charging with a non-contact electromagnetic induction system. Detectors can be charged without physical contact with the transmitter, allowing detectors to be charged while in motion or in various orientations, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining high charging speed through simultaneous multi-device charging.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retrofitted carts with original bins are used, then cart compatibility is maintained, but additional batteries are required at additional cost and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for additional physical batteries in retrofitted carts with a wireless power transmission system. The electromagnetic induction charging system can recharge detectors in place without requiring extra battery packs, eliminating the additional cost and space requirements while maintaining compatibility with retrofitted carts that have original non-charging bins.
4Reliability
If detectors must be inserted in specific orientation for charging, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but ease of operation decreases due to orientation constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces orientation-dependent mechanical connector alignment with omnidirectional or directed wireless electromagnetic power transmission. Detectors can be charged from any orientation (upside down, sideways, at various angles) without affecting charging reliability, as the electromagnetic fields can penetrate and transfer power regardless of detector orientation, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable charging.
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 flexible, efficient, and simultaneous wireless charging of multiple devices, including those in motion, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for physical connectors and cables, while maintaining battery life during use.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter to transmit wireless power signals... uses omni-directional or directed wireless power signals in the gigahertz range to charge battery-powered devices
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile radiography system has a moveable transport frame configured to travel across a floor. An adjustable support structure is coupled to the moveable transport frame and an x-ray source is coupled to the adjustable support structure. A power transmitter emits wireless power signals to a digital detector to charge a battery therein. Power signal receiving circuitry in the detector receives the wireless power signals to generate recharging current for the battery.