X-ray Radiator Remaining Life Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for predicting the remaining life span of X-ray radiators in X-ray apparatuses are inaccurate, leading to unexpected failures and prolonged downtimes, as they typically require replacement only after failure, neglecting individual variations in manufacturing and operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines suitable measurement values under defined test conditions, stores them, and uses forecasted progression and radiator-specific characteristic curves to estimate the remaining life span, accounting for individual variations and manufacturing tolerances, allowing for precise prediction of X-ray radiator failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the X-ray radiator is replaced only after failure, then the replacement cost is minimized, but the downtime and loss of productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring radiator parameters continuously and predicting future failures before they occur. The system analyzes current parameter trends to forecast when the radiator will fail, allowing replacement to be scheduled in advance during planned downtime, thus avoiding unexpected failures and minimizing loss of time.
2Measurement precision
If statistical techniques are used to detect faults, then the detection capability is improved, but the accuracy for individual radiators deteriorates due to neglect of individual variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from generic statistical fault detection to individualized monitoring for each radiator. The system establishes radiator-specific baseline values and limit values tailored to each unit's manufacturing characteristics, allowing accurate prediction of individual radiator life span while accounting for unique variations in manufacturing and operational conditions.
3Productivity
If the X-ray apparatus operates continuously, then productivity is maximized, but the risk of unexpected radiator failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring radiator parameters and using this information to predict future failures. The system provides real-time feedback on radiator condition through parameter analysis and forecasts, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling that balances continuous operation with reliability maintenance. This allows the apparatus to operate continuously while scheduling replacements based on predicted failure timing.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for estimating the remaining life span of an X-ray radiator that has been installed in an X-ray apparatus and is operational, under specified test conditions and at time intervals, a measurement value that is indicative for the remaining life span of the X-ray radiator is determined and stored in a memory. A forecasted progression of future measurement values is then forecasted from the instantaneous measurement value and previous measurement values that were determined under identical test conditions, which also are stored in the memory. The forecasted remaining life span of the X-ray radiator is then determined based on the forecasted progression and a limit value that is associated with the individual X-ray radiator, which is stored in the memory.