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Assignees
Member
Siemens HealthineersSiemens Healthineers is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare, providing innovative technologies and services in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Our mission is to enhance healthcare providers' value and improve patient outcomes globally. We are also committed to sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact while advancing healthcare.
Siemens Healthineers is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare, providing innovative technologies and services in diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and digital health solutions. Our mission is to enhance healthcare providers' value and improve patient outcomes globally. We are also committed to sustainability, aiming to minimize environmental impact while advancing healthcare.
Publication Number
US-12328052-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-10
Expiration Date
2043-05-30
Abstract
A gantry drive includes a multiphase stator, a multiphase rotor, a tunnel-shaped cavity configured to receive a patient, and a controller. The multiphase rotor spatially surrounds the cavity. The multiphase stator and the multiphase rotor form a multiphase motor configured to produce a rotating-field power. A first portion of the rotating-field power provides a mechanical drive power to produce a rotational movement of the multiphase rotor, and a second portion of the rotating-field power provides an electrical supply power for a payload apparatus. The controller is configured to vary at least one of the first portion or the second portion.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a gantry drive comprising a multiphase stator and a multiphase rotor forming a multiphase motor that produces a rotating-field power. This rotating-field power is apportioned into two portions: a first portion provides mechanical drive power to produce rotational movement of the multiphase rotor, and a second portion supplies electrical power to a payload apparatus. A controller is configured to vary the relative sizes of these portions.
The problem being solved is that conventional gantries for computed tomography apparatuses require separate power transmission systems for mechanical drive power and electrical supply power. These separate systems consume significant installation space and may introduce maintenance challenges, such as wear due to friction in contact-based power transmission systems. Additionally, conventional gantries keep power reserves for acceleration stages, leading to inefficient use of power during steady states.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims primarily relating to a gantry drive system, a computed tomography apparatus incorporating the gantry drive, a method for producing rotational movement of the multiphase rotor, and a computer-readable storage medium for executing the method.
Gantry drive with integrated mechanical and electrical power provision
A gantry drive having a multiphase stator and rotor forming a multiphase motor that provides rotating-field power divided into a first portion for mechanical drive power to produce rotor rotation and a second portion for electrical supply power for a payload apparatus, with a controller configured to vary at least one of these portions.
Controller configured for dynamic allocation between mechanical drive and electrical supply power
The controller increases one portion (mechanical or electrical) at the expense of the other, especially increasing mechanical drive power during acceleration stages and increasing electrical supply power after acceleration.
Controller operating the multiphase motor as a transformer to modulate magnetic flux
The controller drives the multiphase motor as a transformer to modulate magnetic flux to vary the mechanical drive power and/or electrical supply power portions.
Use of field-oriented control for power variation
The controller varies the first and/or second portion according to field-oriented control principles applied to the multiphase motor.
Integration of an energy buffer connected to the multiphase motor
An energy buffer electrically connected to the multiphase motor, controlled to charge or discharge according to the rotating-field power.
Energy buffer providing additional mechanical drive power
The energy buffer can provide further mechanical drive power in addition to the first portion to produce rotor movement.
Energy buffer charging when operating as a generator
The energy buffer is chargeable when the gantry drive operates as a generator, e.g., during deceleration.
Energy buffer providing additional electrical supply power
The energy buffer can supply further electrical power for the payload apparatus beyond the second portion.
Energy buffer acting as sole power source for rotating-field power
The energy buffer can provide the rotating-field power solely, enabling uninterruptible operation without mains supply.
Computed tomography apparatus incorporating the gantry drive
A computed tomography apparatus having the gantry drive with the multiphase stator joined to a stationary carrier ring and the multiphase rotor mounted for rotation with a rotating carrier ring.
Computed tomography apparatus providing electrical supply power to X-ray source
The electrical supply power from the rotating-field power is provided to the X-ray source of the payload apparatus.
Method for producing rotational movement via the gantry drive
A method providing rotating-field power where the first portion acts as mechanical drive power to produce rotational movement and the second portion acts as electrical supply power for the payload apparatus, with controller adjustment of these portions in acceleration and post-acceleration stages.
Non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions to perform the method
A computer-readable storage medium with instructions causing a gantry drive to execute the method of varying rotating-field power into mechanical drive and electrical supply portions.
The claims collectively cover a gantry drive system and method providing integrated mechanical and electrical power transmission using a multiphase motor, controlled dynamically to allocate power between mechanical driving and electrical supply, optionally employing an energy buffer for peak loads or uninterrupted operation, and embodiments adapted for computed tomography apparatuses and computer-implemented methods.
Stated Advantages
Integration of mechanical and electrical power transmission in a single multiphase motor eliminates the need for separate power transmission systems, saving installation space.
Better utilization of power reserves, especially power held in reserve during acceleration stages, which can improve acceleration times significantly (e.g., reducing acceleration time by factors of 2 to 6).
Possible faster acceleration and higher maximum electrical supply power due to increased total power availability.
Reduced maintenance effort by avoiding contact-based power transmission components such as brushes and slip rings.
Potential reduced mass and installation space requirements when an energy buffer is used, allowing a smaller or lighter gantry.
Flexibility through control of power portions by modulation of magnetic flux and field-oriented control, improving operational efficiency.
Capability for uninterruptible operation via the energy buffer acting as a sole power source in case of mains failure.
Documented Applications
Use in computed tomography apparatuses, particularly where the gantry has a tunnel-shaped cavity configured to receive a patient.
Supplying electrical power to payload apparatuses such as high-voltage generators and X-ray sources with power demands above 5 kW, including greater than 50 kW or 150 kW.
Supplying power to X-ray detectors mounted on a rotating carrier ring within computed tomography systems.
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