X-ray High Voltage Generator Power Device Life Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray diagnosis and CT apparatuses, the power devices in X-ray high voltage generators, such as IGBTs or MOS-FETs, deteriorate due to repeated use, leading to eventual damage and disruption of medical imaging processes, as they cannot accurately assess the product life of these devices.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray high voltage generator configuration that includes a PWM circuit, an IGBT driving circuit, an inverter circuit, a high voltage unit, a feedback circuit, and a product life assessing circuit, which controls the output voltage by varying the ON periods of the power devices and assesses their product life based on these periods, providing timely notifications for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power devices are used in the inverter circuit to control output voltage, then the output voltage control is achieved, but the power devices deteriorate due to repeated use and large current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assessing the product life of power devices before they fail. The assessing circuit monitors the ON periods of power devices and evaluates their remaining life proactively, allowing the system to take preventive measures (such as warning or shutdown) before the devices actually deteriorate and cause system failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using an assessing circuit that continuously monitors the ON periods of power devices and provides information about their product life. This feedback mechanism allows the control circuit to adjust operations based on the actual condition of the power devices, optimizing both performance and reliability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ON periods of power devices are extended to maintain output voltage, then the output voltage stability is improved, but the product life of power devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the system adaptable to the actual condition of power devices. The assessing circuit dynamically evaluates the product life based on accumulated ON periods, and the control circuit dynamically adjusts operations based on this assessment. This dynamic approach allows the system to optimize the balance between output voltage stability and power device longevity in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by monitoring the ON periods of power devices as a key parameter. The assessing circuit uses the accumulated ON period data to evaluate product life, and this evaluation feeds back to control operational parameters such as switching frequency or duty cycle, thereby adjusting the balance between voltage stability and device durability.
3Measurement precision
If monitoring and assessment systems are added to evaluate power device life, then the product life assessment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing an assessing circuit that automatically monitors and evaluates the product life of power devices without requiring external intervention or complex external systems. The circuit uses the existing ON period information from the inverter circuit's operation to perform the assessment, making the system self-diagnosing and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing an assessing circuit that can evaluate the product life of different types of power devices (IGBTs, MOS-FETs) using the same basic mechanism of monitoring ON periods. This multi-functional approach allows a single circuit design to serve multiple power device types, reducing the need for device-specific complex assessment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray high voltage generator according to an embodiment includes an inverter circuit, a power device, a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit, and processing circuitry. The inverter circuit is configured to control output voltage to be output to an X-ray tube configured to generate an X-ray. The power device is provided for the inverter circuit and is configured to perform a switching process to control the output voltage. The PWM circuit is configured to control the switching process performed by the power device on the basis of an ON time period, in accordance with the output voltage. The processing circuitry is configured to output information about a product life of the power device on the basis of the ON time period.