Timer Circuit for X-ray Imaging System Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems rely on complex computational methods for controlling X-ray generation, which are prone to errors and faults, leading to potential unsafe patient exposure, and the backup methods are costly to comply with safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A timer circuit with a current sensor and timing device that detects excessive current levels and activates a circuit interrupter to stop X-ray generation when the exposure time exceeds a predetermined period, eliminating the need for complex computational devices and ensuring safe patient exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex computational devices or circuits are used for controlling X-ray generation, then control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to software errors, faults, and potential system hangs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent control loops: a primary method using computational devices for precise control, and a backup method using a separate timer circuit with current sensor for safety assurance. This segmentation ensures that the backup method operates independently and cannot be affected by faults in the primary computational system.
Solution Approach 2:
A current sensor acts as an intermediary device between the power system and the timer circuit. The sensor detects current levels and triggers the backup timer mechanism when predetermined current levels are exceeded, providing a reliable intermediate detection mechanism that is independent of the computational control system.
2Reliability
If backup methods are implemented to terminate X-rays when exposure exceeds predetermined time period, then safety is improved, but device complexity and compliance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup safety mechanism extracts only the essential function needed for safety - a simple timer circuit with current sensor that directly monitors current levels and terminates exposure when the time period exceeds the predetermined limit plus 10%. This extracted minimal functionality reduces complexity compared to implementing full computational control in the backup system.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup timer circuit uses simple, inexpensive components (current sensor, timer circuit, circuit interrupter) rather than expensive computational devices. This approach prioritizes reliability and cost-effectiveness over computational capability, using a simple dedicated safety mechanism that is always available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If programmable devices are used in the backup timer loop, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to same software fault vulnerabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces programmable computational devices with a dedicated hardware timer circuit and current sensor system. This substitution eliminates software-related reliability issues by using simple electronic timing and current detection circuitry that operates independently of any programmable logic or software control.
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
The solution provides a reliable and cost-effective method to monitor and terminate X-ray exposure, enhancing patient safety by avoiding computational device malfunctions and simplifying regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor connected between a main power system and a circuit interrupter, wherein the circuit interrupter is also connected to the X-ray generator
Data Source
AI summary
A timer circuit for an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray generator used to generate images of a patient. The circuit includes a current sensor connected between a main power system and a circuit interrupter, wherein the circuit interrupter is also connected to the X-ray generator. The circuit also includes a timing device coupled between the current sensor and a control computer. The timing device is triggered when a current level detected by the current sensor exceeds an idle current level wherein X-rays are not generated by the X-ray generator. The timing device then measures a time period that the idle current level is exceeded. When the measured time period exceeds a predetermined time period by 10%, the circuit interrupter is activated to turn off current flow to the X-ray generator.