X-ray CT Anode Speed Control via Pre-calculated Arrival Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing X-ray CT apparatus requires complex configuration and detection of anode rotation speed, leading to increased waiting time for X-ray irradiation due to the need for speed adjustments during scanning conditions changes, and thermal losses occur when switching between high and low rotation speeds.
Innovation Solution
Selecting a predefined rating anode rotation speed based on X-ray irradiation conditions and calculating the arrival time for the anode to reach an irradiation possible rotation speed lower than the rating speed, allowing X-ray application once the arrival time has elapsed, thus simplifying the configuration and reducing waiting time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a detector is provided to detect anode rotation speed in real time, then the anode rotation speed can be accurately monitored, but the apparatus configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the speed detection function from the physical domain to the computational domain. Instead of using a physical detector to measure rotation speed, the system calculates the arrival time of the anode reaching the irradiation possible rotation speed based on pre-stored timing information corresponding to different irradiation conditions. This eliminates the need for complex speed detection hardware while maintaining accurate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the arrival time information for different anode rotation speeds and irradiation conditions in advance. When X-ray irradiation is required, the system simply retrieves the pre-computed timing data rather than performing real-time measurement and calculation, thereby simplifying the apparatus configuration while ensuring accurate timing control.
2Productivity
If the anode rotation speed is adjusted according to scanning conditions, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to control circuits and speed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from continuous rotation speed adjustment to discrete arrival time selection. Instead of dynamically adjusting rotation speed based on scanning conditions, the system selects predetermined arrival time values from stored data corresponding to different irradiation conditions. This reduces control complexity while maintaining productivity improvements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anode rotation speed is changed frequently to match scanning conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the energy loss increases due to thermal effects in the stator coil and starter circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the appropriate arrival time in advance based on the irradiation conditions before starting the anode rotation. By pre-calculating the required timing, the system minimizes unnecessary speed adjustments and reduces the frequency of changes, thereby lowering thermal losses in the stator coil and starter circuit while maintaining adaptability to different scanning conditions.
4Device complexity
If a fixed waiting time period is used for anode acceleration, then the control is simple, but the loss of time increases due to unnecessary waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the waiting time parameter from a fixed value to a variable value based on irradiation conditions. The system stores multiple arrival time values corresponding to different anode rotation speeds and irradiation conditions, and selects the appropriate timing dynamically. This reduces unnecessary waiting time while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through pre-computed lookup tables.
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
This approach reduces the waiting time for X-ray irradiation without the need for real-time rotation speed detection, simplifying the apparatus configuration and minimizing thermal losses by allowing X-ray application at a rotation speed within a heat unit threshold.
Implementation Method 1
The stator coil is connected to a starter circuit. The starter circuit supplies a three-phase AC voltage or a voltage shifted by 90 degrees from a phase thereof, to the stator coil so as to generate a rotating magnetic field, thereby rotating the anode inside the tube.
Implementation Method 2
When the voltage starts to be supplied to the stator coil from the starter circuit, a rotation speed of the anode does not reach a predetermined rotation speed, and thus X-rays are applied after a predefined waiting time period elapses.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus which reduces a waiting time period until irradiation with X-rays is permitted with a simple configuration without detecting a rotation speed of an anode, a controller (23) selects a rating anode rotation speed among a plurality of types thereof depending on an X-ray irradiation condition, and supplies driving power for realizing the selected rating anode rotation speed to a stator coil (81) from a starter circuit (10). The controller (23) obtains time required to reach an irradiation possible rotation speed which is lower than the rating anode rotation speed and is required to apply X-rays in an X-ray irradiation condition. If arrival time has elapsed, irradiation with X-rays is permitted. Consequently, it is possible to reduce a waiting time period in which an operator waits for an anode rotation speed to rise.