X-Ray Source Cooling Flow Control for Lower Energy Use

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray systems face challenges with high energy consumption, noise levels, and increased failure rates due to inefficient cooling units, particularly in bi-plane systems with multiple X-ray sources.

Innovation Solution

A cooling system with a controller that adjusts cooling flow rates based on trigger signals, providing a stand-by flow during idle modes and an application flow during use, optimizing energy usage and extending component lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling unit with pump is connected to the X-ray source, then the X-ray source is cooled effectively, but energy consumption and noise level increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray source temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling unit operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the cooling unit based on operational status: during X-ray generation operations when cooling is needed, and deactivates it during idle periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the operational status signals from the X-ray source to automatically control the cooling unit without external intervention. The controller monitors when the X-ray source is operating and autonomously activates/deactivates the cooling unit, making the system self-regulating and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If a cooling unit with pump is connected to the X-ray source, then the X-ray source is cooled effectively, but noise level increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray source temperatureVSAvoidnoise level

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling unit operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the cooling unit based on operational status: during X-ray generation operations when cooling is needed, and deactivates it during idle periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective cooling when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the operational status signals from the X-ray source to automatically control the cooling unit without external intervention. The controller monitors when the X-ray source is operating and autonomously activates/deactivates the cooling unit, making the system self-regulating and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If a cooling unit is provided for each X-ray source in bi-plane systems, then each source is cooled adequately, but costs and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray source temperatureVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple X-ray sources share a common cooling unit instead of each source having its own dedicated cooling unit. The controller receives operational status from multiple X-ray sources and controls the shared cooling unit accordingly, reducing system complexity and costs while maintaining adequate cooling for each source when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling unit is designed to serve multiple X-ray sources universally. The controller can manage the cooling unit based on the operational status of any connected X-ray source, making the cooling system multi-functional and adaptable to different operational scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces energy consumption and noise while maintaining effective cooling, extending the life of X-ray system components and reducing costs by dynamically adjusting cooling flows.

Implementation Method 1

a flow of cooling medium towards the X-ray source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

provide a flow of cooling medium towards the X-ray source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4598279A1Cooling of an x-ray source

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

The invention relates to a cooling system (100) for cooling an X-ray source (110) of an X-ray system (102). The cooling system comprises a cooling unit (120) configured to provide a flow (130) of cooling medium towards the X-ray source, and a controller (150) for controlling the cooling unit (120). The controller is configured to receive a stand-by trigger signal, and in response to the stand-by trigger signal, control the cooling unit (120) to provide a stand-by cooling flow towards the X-ray source (110). The controller is configured to receive an application trigger signal, and in response to the application trigger signal, control the cooling unit (120) to provide an application cooling flow towards the X-ray source (110). An application flow rate of the application cooling flow is larger than a stand-by flow rate of the stand-by cooling flow. The invention also relates to an X-ray system comprising the cooling system, a method for cooling an X-ray source of an X-ray system, a computer program element, and a computer-readable medium.