Active Vibration Damping in X-ray Radiator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing noise in computed tomography apparatuses, such as noise-optimized rotating bearings and passive damping materials, are insufficient in minimizing interfering noise levels, particularly due to the high cost and limited structural volume for effective noise suppression.
Innovation Solution
An active vibration damping system is implemented within the x-ray radiator, using a counter-vibration generation unit that generates a 180-degree phase-shifted counter-vibration to cancel out operational vibrations at their source, employing electrodynamic, piezoelectric, or electromotive transducers, and a control unit to determine and apply the counter-vibration signal based on measured vibration parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive damping materials are used to suppress noise propagation, then noise reduction is achieved to some extent, but the structural volume required is very limited and the reduction is normally not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies active vibration damping by generating counter-vibrations that are 180 degrees out of phase with the unwanted vibrations. Electrodynamic transducers convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations that cancel out the vibrations from the rotating anode, achieving effective noise reduction without requiring additional structural volume for passive damping materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical damping materials with an active electrodynamic system. Instead of using thick layers of passive damping material that would require significant structural volume, the invention uses electrodynamic transducers that generate active counter-vibrations, substituting a mechanical-passive approach with an electro-mechanical active approach.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise-optimized rotating bearings are used to minimize structure-borne sound wave propagation, then noise reduction is achieved, but the cost is associated with high expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise reduction function from the bearing system itself and implements it separately through electrodynamic transducers. Instead of modifying the bearing design to be noise-optimized (which would increase manufacturing cost), the invention adds a separate active damping system that generates counter-vibrations, separating the primary mechanical function from the noise reduction function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrodynamic transducers as intermediary devices between the power source and the x-ray radiator assembly. These transducers act as mediators that convert electrical signals into mechanical counter-vibrations, which then cancel out the structure-borne sound waves without requiring modification of the original bearing or rotation system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the thickness of damping material is increased to achieve effective noise reduction, then noise propagation is reduced, but the structural volume available is very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of noise control from passive material thickness to active vibration frequency and phase. Instead of increasing the thickness parameter of damping material (which is constrained by available volume), the invention controls the frequency and phase parameters of generated counter-vibrations, achieving effective noise reduction through parameter optimization rather than volume increase.
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 effectively reduces vibrations and noise at the point of origin, minimizing additional vibration transfer to other system parts, thereby significantly lowering the overall noise level experienced by patients and operators.
Implementation Method 1
Cancellation occurs via interference or superimposition of vibration and counter-vibration
Implementation Method 2
the counter-vibration generation unit can be at least one electrodynamic transducer
Implementation Method 3
the counter-vibration generation unit can be at least one electrodynamic transducer, a piezoelectric transducer
Data Source
AI summary
In an arrangement and method for active vibration compensation of an x-ray radiator, a counter-vibration generation unit is arranged within the x-ray radiator to reduce a vibration arising during operation of the x-ray radiator. The counter-vibration generating unit is engaged in an active connection with the x-ray radiator and generates a counter-vibration that is phase-shifted by 180 degrees relative to the operational vibration. Operational vibrations generated by the x-ray radiator can be directly reduced at the point of origin by the application of active counter-vibrations in the immediate proximity of the vibration generator. Additional vibration transmission to other system parts (for example a C-arm) is thereby reduced or prevented.