X-ray Tube Power Supply Inrush Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power supplies for X-ray tubes face challenges in managing high inrush currents during startup, which can lead to inefficiencies, increased power consumption, and reliability issues due to the need for complex and costly active switches or unreliable contact systems.
Innovation Solution
A passive circuit comprising a transformer with a primary and secondary circuit, where the secondary circuit includes a resistor, limits the inrush current by inducing voltage across the transformer, allowing the capacitor to charge at low current and reducing power consumption, while the transformer becomes a simple conductive connection once saturated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a limiting resistor is placed in series between the source and generator, then the inrush current is limited, but permanent electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the resistor's presence in the circuit dynamic rather than static. A switch is introduced to control the resistor's connection: during startup, the resistor is connected to limit inrush current; during normal operation, the switch bypasses the resistor to eliminate continuous power consumption. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between limiting inrush current and reducing permanent energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the limiting resistor only during the startup phase when inrush current is problematic. The resistor performs its current-limiting function temporarily during capacitor charging, then is removed from the circuit via the bypass switch during normal operation. This time-based application ensures the resistor addresses the harmful inrush current without causing permanent energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If a secondary switch and bypass circuit are added to remove the limiting resistor during operation, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity and logic control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a control system that automatically manages the switch states based on operational conditions. The logic circuit monitors the generator's operational state and autonomously controls the secondary switch and bypass switch without requiring external intervention or complex manual control sequences. This self-managing approach reduces the burden on external control systems while achieving the desired power consumption reduction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active switches with precharging and charge transfer circuits are used, then inrush current is controlled and generator charging is enabled, but reliability decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of using simple, reliable components for temporary functions. Instead of employing complex active switches with precharging circuits, the invention uses a basic limiting resistor that is temporarily connected only during startup. This simple resistor, combined with a straightforward bypass switch, achieves inrush current limitation with higher reliability and lower cost compared to sophisticated active switching solutions.
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 solution effectively reduces high inrush currents, simplifies the power supply design, reduces power consumption, and enhances reliability, making it easier to implement and cost-effective, while maintaining efficient operation of the X-ray tube.
Implementation Method 1
By induction, this same voltage is relayed to the terminals of the secondary circuit
Implementation Method 2
The transformer gets saturated. The transformer-resistor assembly then become equivalent to a simple loss-free conductive connection
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power supply for an X-ray tube comprising a current source, a transformer with a primary circuit and a secondary circuit coupled with a resistor (R), the unit supplying a high-voltage generator provided with an equivalent input capacitor is used, when the generator is powered on, to limit the intensity of the inrush current appearing in the circuit.