Compact X-ray Generator with DC-DC Booster and Capacitor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intra-oral X-ray generators are bulky and heavy, limiting their convenience and efficiency due to high weight and size, which increases waiting time for X-ray generation.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray generator with a booster to boost DC voltage, a capacitor to generate charging voltage, a converter to convert the charging voltage into driving voltage, and a controller to control the X-ray source, allowing for variable DC voltage and optimized cooling time for efficient X-ray generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the X-ray generator uses a traditional power supply system, then it can provide sufficient power for X-ray generation, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into modular components: a compact DC-DC booster converter, capacitor bank, and control unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight and power efficiency while maintaining overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters by adjusting the DC voltage magnitude (first DC voltage from voltage source, second DC voltage from booster) and capacitor charging/discharging cycles. This allows the compact system to deliver variable power levels sufficient for different X-ray generation requirements.
2Volume of moving object
If the X-ray generator is designed to be compact, then portability is improved, but the cooling time for the X-ray source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic operation cycles with controlled X-ray generation intervals followed by cooling periods. The controller manages the capacitor charging and discharging timing to allow the X-ray source to cool between exposures, enabling compact design while managing thermal constraints through rhythmic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor bank is pre-charged to the required voltage level before X-ray generation. This preliminary energy storage allows the X-ray source to operate at full power for the required duration and then cool down during the capacitor recharging phase, optimizing both compact size and cooling time.
3Productivity
If the X-ray generator operates continuously, then productivity is improved, but the X-ray source overheats
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor bank enables continuous useful action by storing energy during low-demand periods and delivering it during X-ray generation. This allows the system to maintain high productivity through rapid sequential exposures while the X-ray source has brief cooling intervals between capacitor discharge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors system state and adjusts the operation timing based on thermal management requirements. By coordinating capacitor charging/discharging with X-ray source temperature, the system maintains productivity while preventing overheating through adaptive control of the operation cycle.
4Power
If the X-ray generator uses high voltage for efficient X-ray generation, then power efficiency is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical voltage transformation equipment with electronic DC-DC booster converter technology. This substitution enables high voltage generation (second DC voltage) from a low voltage source in a compact, lightweight electronic package, achieving power efficiency without increasing device volume.
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 results in a lightweight, compact X-ray generator with reduced waiting time for X-ray generation, enhancing imaging efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a booster configured to boost a first DC voltage supplied from a voltage source to a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least one capacitor configured to receive the second DC voltage and generate a charging voltage from the second DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
a converter configured to convert the charging voltage into a driving voltage
Implementation Method 4
an X-ray source configured to receive the driving voltage and emit X-rays
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed is an X-ray generator having a light and compact body and being capable of increasing radiography efficiency by reducing a waiting time for X-ray generation. The X-ray generator includes a booster for boosting a first DC voltage supplied from a voltage source to a second DC voltage higher than the first DC voltage, at least one capacitor for receiving the second DC voltage and generating a charging voltage on the basis of the second DC voltage, a converter for converting the charging voltage into a driving voltage, an X-ray source for receiving the driving voltage and emitting X-rays according to the driving voltage, and a controller for controlling the booster, the converter, and the X-ray source. The controller calculates a cooling time required for cooling the X-ray source to a predetermined temperature or lower, determines the magnitude of the second DC voltage according to the cooling time, and applies the second DC voltage to the capacitor for the cooling time.