Monolithic x-ray source housing

Abstract

An integral housing for an x-ray source can at least partially encase a power supply and an x-ray tube. The integral housing can comprise aluminum, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, silicon, strontium, zinc, or combinations thereof. Magnesium can be a primary component of the integral housing. The integral housing can be formed by injection molding. The integral housing can provide one or more of the following advantages: (a) light weight (easier to transport), (b) high electrical conductivity (protects users from electrical shock), (c) high thermal conductivity (removes heat generated during use), (d) corrosion resistance, (e) high strength, and (f) high electromagnetic interference shielding (shields power supply components from external electromagnetic noise, shields other electronic components from power supply electromagnetic noise, or both).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to X-ray sources. Background Technology

[0002] An X-ray source may include an X-ray tube electrically coupled to a high-voltage power supply. The power supply provides a large bias voltage to the X-ray tube. The large voltage between the cathode and anode of the X-ray tube (sometimes a heated filament) causes electrons to be emitted from the cathode to the anode. The anode may include a target. The target can generate X-rays in response to impacting electrons from the cathode. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An X-ray source may include a power supply electrically coupled to an X-ray tube and an integral housing. The integral housing may include a power supply housing with a cavity and an X-ray tube housing with a hollow cavity. The cavity of the power supply housing may be connected to the hollow cavity of the X-ray tube housing. The power supply housing and the X-ray tube housing may be integrally connected together. The power supply may be located within the cavity. The X-ray tube may be located within the hollow cavity. The X-ray tube housing may surround the X-ray tube. The integral housing may include magnesium uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

[0004] Description of the accompanying drawings (the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale).

[0005] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the integral housing 10 for an X-ray source. The integral housing 10 may include a power supply housing 11 and an X-ray tube housing 12. The power supply housing 11 may be shaped to at least partially enclose a power supply 31, and the X-ray tube housing 12 may be shaped to at least partially enclose an X-ray tube 32 (see [reference]). Figure 3-4 ).

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the integral housing 10, shown at different angles.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an X-ray source 30, which has a power supply 31 and an X-ray tube 32.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an X-ray source 40, which has a power supply 31 located inside a power supply housing 11 and an X-ray tube 32 located inside an X-ray tube housing 12.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a side view of the integral housing 50, which has a frustum-shaped X-ray tube housing 12. The X-ray tube housing 12 includes a frustum angle 51, which is the narrowing angle of the frustum-shaped outer surface.

[0010] Figure 6This is an end view of the integral housing 60, which has a base-side interior angle 61 greater than 90° between the base 11b and each of the two sides 11s.

[0011] Figure 7 It is a top view of the integral housing 70, with an end-to-side interior angle 71 greater than 90° between each of the end wall 11e and the two sides 11s.

[0012] Figure 8 This is a side view of the integral housing 80, showing an array of ribs 81 on the power supply housing 11 and an array of ribs 82 surrounding the X-ray tube housing 12. The array of ribs 82 surrounding the X-ray tube housing 12 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 83 of the X-ray tube 32.

[0013] Figure 9 This is a side view of the integral housing 90, showing an array of ribs 81 on the power supply housing 11 and an array of ribs 82 surrounding the X-ray tube housing 12. The array of ribs 82 surrounding the X-ray tube housing 12 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 83 of the X-ray tube 32.

[0014] Figure 10-11 It is used to manufacture X-ray source 40 (see Figure 24 The outer casing 141 (see) Figure 14-17 The method of step 100 is a cross-sectional side view. Step 100 may include inserting the upper mold 105 into the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103 to form a power housing cavity 111 between the upper mold 105 and the lower mold 103.

[0015] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 120 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 120 may follow step 100. Step 120 may include inserting a slider pin 107 from an upper mold 105 into a hole 102 located in the sidewall of the hollow region 101, forming an X-ray tube housing cavity 122 between the slider pin 107 and the wall of the hole 102.

[0016] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 130 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 130 may follow step 120. Step 130 may include injecting (e.g., through port 104) material 133 for the housing 10 into the power supply housing cavity 111 and the X-ray tube housing cavity 122.

[0017] Figure 14This is a cross-sectional side view of step 140 in a method of manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 140 may follow step 130. Step 140 may include solidifying material 133 into housing 141. Housing 141 may include a power housing 11 formed in a power housing cavity 111 and an X-ray tube housing 12 formed in an X-ray tube housing cavity 122.

[0018] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 150 in a method of manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 150 may follow step 140. Step 150 may include removing a sliding pin 107 from a hole 102 in the lower mold 103.

[0019] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 160 in a method of manufacturing the housing 141 for the X-ray source 40. Step 160 may follow step 150. Step 160 may include removing the upper mold 105 from the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103.

[0020] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 170 in a method of manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 170 may follow step 160. Step 170 may include removing the housing 141 from the hollow region 101 and the hole 102 of the lower mold 103.

[0021] Figure 18-19 It is used to manufacture X-ray source 40 (see Figure 24 The outer casing 141 (see) Figure 21-23 The method is shown in a cross-sectional side view of step 180. Step 180 may include (a) inserting the upper mold 105 into the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103 to form a power supply housing cavity 111 between the upper mold 105 and the lower mold 103, and (b) inserting a pin 187 into a hole 102 in the sidewall of the hollow region 101 to form an X-ray tube housing cavity 122 between the pin 187 and the wall of the hole 102.

[0022] Figure 20 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 200 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 200 may follow step 180. Step 200 may include injecting (e.g., through port 104) material 133 for the housing 141 into the power supply housing cavity 111 and the X-ray tube housing cavity 122.

[0023] Figure 21This is a cross-sectional side view of step 210 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 210 may follow step 200. Step 210 may include curing material 133 into housing 141. Housing 141 may include a power housing 11 formed in a power housing cavity 111 and an X-ray tube housing 12 formed in an X-ray tube housing cavity 122.

[0024] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 220 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 220 may follow step 210. Step 220 may include removing an upper mold 105 from a hollow region 101 of a lower mold 103 and removing a pin 187 from a hole 102 in the lower mold 103.

[0025] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 230 of a method for manufacturing a housing 141 for an X-ray source 40. Step 230 may follow step 220. Step 230 may include removing the housing 141 from the lower mold 103 and from the hole 102.

[0026] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional side view of step 240 of the method for manufacturing X-ray source 40. Step 240 may follow step 170 or step 230. Step 240 may include inserting X-ray tube 32 into X-ray tube housing 12 and inserting power supply 31 into power supply housing 11.

[0027] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional side view of a lower mold 103 having three parts 251, 252, and 253. This lower mold 103 can be used in the methods described herein.

[0028] definition

[0029] As used in this article, the phrases “uniformly dispersed” and “uniformly dispersed” refer to a completely uniform dispersion, a uniform dispersion within normal manufacturing tolerances, or a nearly completely uniform dispersion, such that any deviation from a completely uniform dispersion has a negligible impact on the normal use of the equipment.

[0030] As used herein, the term "integral connection" means that the entire assembly is formed together simultaneously and continuously, without any seams or joints between them.

[0031] As used herein, “in,” “located,” and “above” mean directly above or between which there is some other solid material. The terms “directly located” and “adjacent” mean direct and immediate contact.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "monolithic" and "monolithic" refer to something seamless and continuous. A monolithic structure can refer to a structure that has the same material composition throughout. For example, a concrete wall formed in a single pouring step and then in a single curing step is monolithic. As another example, a shell formed in a single injection molding step is monolithic.

[0033] As used in this article, the term "parallel" means perfectly parallel, parallel within normal manufacturing tolerances, or nearly perfectly parallel, so any deviation from perfect parallelism has a negligible impact on the normal use of the equipment.

[0034] As used in this article, the term "perpendicular" means perfectly perpendicular, perpendicular within normal manufacturing tolerances, or nearly perfectly perpendicular, so any deviation from perfect perpendicularity has a negligible impact on the normal use of the equipment.

[0035] As used herein, the term "identical material composition" means exactly the same, identical or nearly identical within normal manufacturing tolerances, such that any deviation from being exactly the same has a negligible effect on the normal use of the equipment.

[0036] As used herein, the term "X-ray tube" is not limited to tubular / cylindrical devices. The term "tube" is used because it is the standard term for X-ray emitting equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] X-ray source 40 may include an X-ray tube 32 and a power supply 31 enclosed in a housing. Ideal characteristics of the housing include (a) lightweight (for easy transport), (b) high conductivity (to protect the user from electric shock), (c) high thermal conductivity (to remove heat generated during use), (d) corrosion resistance, (e) high strength, and (f) high electromagnetic interference shielding (shielding the power supply components from external electromagnetic noise, shielding other electronic components from power supply electromagnetic noise, or both).

[0038] This invention includes an integral housing for an X-ray source 40. The integral housing may be part of a housing for the X-ray source 40. The integral housing may at least partially enclose the power supply 31 and the X-ray tube 32. This invention also includes methods of manufacturing the integral housing for the X-ray source 40. The integral housing described herein, and housings manufactured by these methods, can satisfy the needs of the preceding paragraphs. Each example housing or method may satisfy one, some, or all of these needs.

[0039] Figure 1-2 An integral housing 10 for an X-ray source is shown. The features of the integral housing 10 can be combined with the features of any other integral housing described herein.

[0040] The integral housing 10 may include a power supply housing 11 and an X-ray tube housing 12. The power supply housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12 can be integrally connected together. Integrating the power supply housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12 integrally provides a consistent material structure, resulting in uniform overall characteristics. Integrating the power supply housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12 integrally minimizes gaps and seams. Such gaps or seams can lead to undesirable charge flow paths along edges or contact resistance across gaps or seams. Without such gaps and seams, heat flow can be uniform and less interrupted.

[0041] The power supply housing 11 may have a cavity for inserting the power supply 31. The X-ray tube housing 12 may have a hollow cavity for inserting the X-ray tube 32. The cavity of the power supply housing 11 may abut the hollow cavity of the X-ray tube housing 12 to allow insertion of an X-ray source having the X-ray tube 32 and the power supply 31. The X-ray tube 32 may be rigidly mounted to the power supply 31.

[0042] Figure 3 An X-ray source 30 is shown, having a power supply 31 electrically coupled to an X-ray tube 32.

[0043] Figure 4 An X-ray source 40 is shown, having a power supply 31 inside a power supply housing 11 and an X-ray tube 32 inside an X-ray tube housing 12. An integral housing 10 extends from the distal end 31d of the power supply 31, which is furthest from the X-ray tube 32, to the X-ray tube 32.

[0044] The X-ray tube 32 can be completely surrounded by the X-ray tube housing 12 and the power supply 31, except for a small opening that allows X-rays to be emitted from the X-ray tube 32. For example, the X-ray tube housing 12 and the power supply 31 can surround ≥90%, ≥95%, or ≥98% of the X-ray tube 32.

[0045] The power supply housing 11 may at least partially enclose the power supply 31. The power supply housing 11 may include three sidewalls 11w and a base 11b, thereby surrounding the power supply 31 on four of the six sides.

[0046] The inner surface of the side wall 11w of the power supply housing 11 may have internal ribs 13 (see...). Figure 1-2 (and 7). The internal rib 13 can be integrated with the power supply housing 11. The internal rib 13 can increase the strength of the sidewall 11w. The longitudinal dimension of the internal rib 13 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the X-ray tube housing 12 so as to facilitate removal from the mold during manufacturing.

[0047] The X-ray tube housing 12 may at least partially enclose the X-ray tube 32. The X-ray tube housing 12 may surround the X-ray tube 32. The X-ray tube housing 12 may surround the X-ray tube 32 along its length from the cathode to the X-ray window. The X-ray tube housing 12 may surround the X-ray tube 32 along the main portion of its length, for example, along ≥50%, ≥75%, or ≥90% of the length. Even if the X-ray tube housing 12 does not surround the X-ray tube 32 along its main length, it is helpful for the X-ray tube housing 12 to surround the electrical connection between the power supply 31 and the X-ray tube.

[0048] The integral housing 10 can be a single integral unit formed by injection molding, as described below. Granules having the following composition can be fed into the mold via a heated screw.

[0049] The material of the monolithic housing 10 can be selected to promote electrical shielding, conductivity, heat dissipation, or a combination thereof. The monolithic housing 10 may include one or more of the following chemical elements. The total weight percentage of all chemical elements is 100%.

[0050] The monolithic housing 10 may include magnesium (Mg). For example, the minimum weight percentage of magnesium may be ≥50%, ≥75%, or ≥85%. The maximum weight percentage of magnesium may include ≤85%, ≤95%, or ≤99%. The magnesium may be uniformly dispersed throughout the monolithic housing 10.

[0051] The monolithic housing 10 may include aluminum (Al). For example, the minimum weight percentage of aluminum may be ≥2%, ≥4%, or ≥8%. The maximum weight percentage of aluminum in the examples includes ≤8%, ≤14%, or ≤20%. Aluminum may be uniformly distributed throughout the monolithic housing 10.

[0052] The integral housing 10 may include zinc (Zn). For example, the minimum weight percentage of zinc may be ≥0.1%, ≥0.3%, or ≥0.7%. Example maximum weight percentages of zinc include ≤0.8%, ≤1.2%, or ≤3%. Zinc may be uniformly dispersed throughout the integral housing 10.

[0053] The monolithic housing 10 may include aluminum, magnesium, manganese (Mn), and zinc. The monolithic housing 10 may also include aluminum, copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium, manganese, nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), and zinc. The monolithic housing 10 may further include aluminum, calcium (Ca), copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, silicon, strontium (Sr), and zinc. These chemical elements can be uniformly dispersed throughout the monolithic housing 10 to achieve consistent desired material properties.

[0054] Figure 5The integral housing 50 is shown in the figure. The features of the integral housing 50 can be combined with the features of any other integral housing described herein.

[0055] The X-ray tube housing 12 of the integral housing 50 has a narrowing profile. The X-ray tube housing 12 may widen closer to the power supply housing 11 and narrow further away from the power supply housing 11. This narrowing may be linear. The X-ray tube housing 12 may have a frustum-shaped cone. These shapes allow for easier removal of the X-ray tube housing 12 from the mold, easier integration of the X-ray source 40 into other tools, and easier assembly of the X-ray source 30 with the integral housing 50.

[0056] Figure 5 The frustum angle 51 is shown; it is the narrowing angle of the outer surface of the frustum shape. Example minimum values ​​for the frustum angle 51 include ≥0.1°, ≥0.2°, ≥0.5°, and ≥1°. Example maximum values ​​for the frustum angle 51 include ≤1°, ≤3°, ≤5°, and ≤15°.

[0057] One-piece housing 60 and 70 Figure 6 and 7 As shown in the diagram. The features of these integral housings 60 and 70 can be combined with each other. The features of these integral housings 60 and 70 can be combined with the features of any other integral housing described herein.

[0058] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the power supply housing 11 may include a sidewall 11w located at the edge of the base 11b. The sidewall 11w may include an end wall 11e and two sides 11s. The two sides 11s may be opposite each other. The end wall 11e may be adjacent to the X-ray tube housing 12 and the two sides 11s.

[0059] The base-side interior angle 61 is the angle between the base 11b and the two sides 11s, measured inside the power supply housing 11. Figure 6 The base-side interior angle 61 can be greater than 90° to facilitate the assembly of the power supply 31 with the power supply housing 11. Example minimum values ​​for the base-side interior angle 61 include ≥90.1°, ≥90.2°, ≥90.5°, or ≥91°. Example maximum values ​​for the base-side interior angle 61 include ≤91°, ≤93°, ≤95°, ≤100°, ≤105°, or ≤115°. These angles can facilitate the association of the integral housing 60 with another tool.

[0060] The end-side interior angle 71 is the angle between the end wall 11e and each of the two sides 11s, measured inside the power supply housing 11. Figure 7The end-side interior angle 71 can be greater than 90° to facilitate the assembly of the power supply 31 with the power supply housing 11. Example minimum values ​​for the end-side interior angle 71 include ≥90.1°, ≥90.2°, ≥90.5°, and ≥91°. Example maximum values ​​for the end-side interior angle 71 include ≤91°, ≤93°, ≤95°, ≤100°, ≤105°, or ≤115°. These angles facilitate the association of the integral housing 70 with another tool.

[0061] like Figure 7 As shown, the integral housing 70 may include a ejector post 72. The ejector post 72 can reinforce the integral housing 70 at a location where the mold pin pushes the integral housing 70 to remove it from the mold. Furthermore, the ejector post 72 can reinforce the interface between the power supply housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12. The ejector post 72 may be adjacent to the joint between the X-ray tube housing 12 and the power supply housing 11.

[0062] One-piece housing 80 and 90 Figure 8 and 9 As shown in the diagram. The features of these integral housings 80 and 90 can be combined with each other. The features of these integral housings 80 and 90 can be combined with the features of any other integral housing described herein.

[0063] The integral housings 80 and 90 include an array of ribs 81 located outside the power supply housing 11 and an array of ribs 82 surrounding the X-ray tube housing 12. One or both of the rib arrays 81 and 82 can be part of the housing 80 or 90 and thus integral with the rest of the integral housing 80 or 90. These rib arrays 81 and 82 can reinforce the X-ray tube housing 12, thereby increasing its durability. These rib arrays 81 and 82 can dissipate heat from the housings 80 and 90. By forming the rib arrays 81 and 82 as part of the integral housing 80 or 90, contact resistance between individual components can be avoided.

[0064] Both rib 81 and 82 arrays can be used. Alternatively, only one of the rib 81 or rib 82 arrays can be used.

[0065] The array of ribs 81 on the power supply housing 11 can be adjacent to the transformer in the power supply 31. Therefore, the array of ribs 81 can dissipate heat at the locations where heat is generated.

[0066] like Figure 8 As shown, each rib of the array of ribs 82 may surround the X-ray tube 32. Each rib of the array of ribs 82 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 83 of the X-ray tube 32. Additional mold portions may be required to allow removal of the integral housing 80 from the mold after injection molding. Figure 9As shown, each rib of the rib array 82 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 83 of the X-ray tube 32. The ribs can be selected based on airflow direction, available space, and manufacturability (e.g., the ability to remove from a mold). Figure 8 Example or Figure 9 Example. The vertical or parallel orientation of the rib 82 array can be adapted to airflow conditions for optimal cooling.

[0067] The first method

[0068] The first method of manufacturing the housing 141 for the X-ray source or manufacturing the X-ray source 40 may include some or all of the following steps. These steps may be performed in the following order or in another specified order. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, some steps may be performed simultaneously. The housing 141 and the X-ray source 40 may have any of the characteristics of an integral housing described above.

[0069] Step 100 may include inserting the upper mold 105 into the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103, forming a power supply housing cavity 111 between the upper mold 105 and the lower mold 103. See Figure 10-11 .

[0070] Step 120 may include inserting a slider pin 107 from the upper mold 105 into a hole 102 in the side wall of the hollow region 101, forming an X-ray tube housing cavity 122 between the slider pin 107 and the wall of the hole 102. The upper mold 105 may include a channel 106 ( Figure 15 This allows the slider pin 107 to move in and out of the upper mold 105. Step 120 can follow step 100. See Figure 12 .

[0071] Step 130 may include injecting (e.g., by means of) material 133 for the housing. Figure 25 Ports 104 to 254 are inserted into the power supply housing cavity 111 and the X-ray tube housing cavity 122. Material 133 can be injected using a thixotropic method. Step 130 can follow step 120. See Figure 13 and Figure 25 .

[0072] Step 140 may include allowing the material 133 used for the housing to solidify into a housing 141 for the X-ray source 40. The housing 141 may include a power housing 11 formed in a power housing cavity 111 and an X-ray tube housing 12 formed in an X-ray tube housing cavity 122. The power housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12 may be integrally connected and monolithic. Step 140 may follow step 130. See [link to step 140] Figure 14 .

[0073] Step 150 may include removing the slider pin 107 from the hole 102 in the lower mold 103. The upper mold 105 may include a channel 106 to allow the slider pin 107 to exit the upper mold 105. Step 150 may follow step 140. See Figure 15 .

[0074] Step 160 may include the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103 ( Figure 10 Remove the upper mold 105. Step 160 can follow step 150. See Figure 16 .

[0075] Step 170 may include removing the housing 141 from the lower mold 103. Step 170 may follow step 160. The lower mold 103 may include at least three portions 251, 252, and 253 to facilitate removal of the housing 141. Step 170 may include pressing the ejector post 72 to eject the housing 141 from the lower mold 103. The ejector post 72 is as described above. See Figure 7 , 17 And 25.

[0076] Step 240 may include inserting the X-ray tube 32 into the X-ray tube housing 12 and inserting the power supply 31 into the power supply housing 11, thereby forming a closed X-ray source 40. Step 240 may follow step 170. See Figure 24 .

[0077] Additional material sheets can be attached (e.g., by bolting, gluing, snapping into place, etc.) to the portion of the power supply not covered by the power supply housing 11. The material sheets can be metallic.

[0078] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional side view of a lower mold 103 having three parts 251, 252, and 253. This lower mold 103 can be used in the methods described herein.

[0079] The second method

[0080] A second method of manufacturing the housing 141 for the X-ray source or manufacturing the X-ray source 40 may include some or all of the following steps. These steps may be performed in the following order or in another specified order. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, some steps may be performed simultaneously. The housing 141 and the X-ray source 40 may have any of the characteristics of an integral housing described above.

[0081] Step 180 may include (a) inserting the upper mold 105 into the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103, forming a power supply housing cavity 111 between the upper mold 105 and the lower mold 103, and (b) inserting a pin 187 into a hole 102 in the side wall of the hollow region 101, forming an X-ray tube housing cavity 122 between the pin 187 and the wall of the hole 102. The pin 187 may be integrally connected to the upper mold 105. The insertion of the upper mold 105 into the hollow region 101 may be performed simultaneously with the insertion of the pin 187 into the hole 102. The upper mold 105 and the pin 187 may be inserted at the angle shown in the figure. See Figure 18-19 .

[0082] Step 200 may include injecting (e.g., by means of) material 133 for housing 141. Figure 25 Ports 104 to 254 are connected to the power supply housing cavity 111 and the X-ray tube housing cavity 122. Material 133 can be injected using a thixotropic method. Step 200 can follow step 180. See... Figure 20 and 25 .

[0083] Step 210 may include solidifying the housing material 133 into a housing 141 of the X-ray source 40. Housing 141 may include a power supply housing 11 formed in a power supply housing cavity 111 and an X-ray tube housing 12 formed in an X-ray tube housing cavity 122. The power supply housing 11 and the X-ray tube housing 12 may be integrally connected and integral. Step 210 may follow step 200. See [link to step 200] Figure 21 .

[0084] Step 220 may include removing the upper mold 105 from the hollow region 101 of the lower mold 103 and removing the pin 187 from the hole 102 of the lower mold 103. Removal of the upper mold 105 from the hollow region 101 may be performed simultaneously with removal of the pin 187 from the hole 102. The upper mold 105 and the pin 187 may be removed at the angle shown in the figure. Step 220 may follow step 210. See Figure 22 .

[0085] Step 230 may include removing the housing 141 from the lower mold 103. The housing 141 may be removed at the angle shown. Step 230 may follow step 220. The lower mold 103 may include at least three sections 251, 252, and 253 to facilitate removal of the housing 141. Step 230 may include pressing the ejector post 72 to eject the housing 141 from the lower mold 103. The ejector post 72 is as described above. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 , 23 and 25.

[0086] Step 240 may include inserting the X-ray tube 32 into the X-ray tube housing 12 and inserting the power supply 31 into the power supply housing 11, thereby forming a closed X-ray source 40. Step 240 may follow step 230. See Figure 24 .

[0087] Additional material sheets can be attached (e.g., by bolting, gluing, snapping into place, etc.) to the portion of the power supply not covered by the power supply housing 11. The material sheets can be metallic.

Claims

1. An X-ray source, comprising: A power supply electrically coupled to the X-ray tube; An integral housing includes a power supply housing with a cavity and an X-ray tube housing with a hollow cavity, wherein the cavity of the power supply housing is connected to the hollow cavity of the X-ray tube housing, and the power supply housing and the X-ray tube housing are integrally connected together. The power source is located within the cavity, the X-ray tube is located within the hollow cavity, and the X-ray tube housing surrounds the X-ray tube, wherein the power source housing at least partially surrounds the power source, and the X-ray tube housing at least partially surrounds the X-ray tube; and The monolithic housing comprises magnesium uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

2. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein, The monolithic housing comprises ≥75% by weight magnesium uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

3. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein, The monolithic housing comprises ≥4 and ≤14% by weight of aluminum uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

4. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein, The integral housing comprises ≥0.3 and ≤1.2 weight percent zinc uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

5. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein, The monolithic housing comprises aluminum, manganese, and zinc uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

6. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein, The monolithic housing comprises ≥85 and ≤95% by weight magnesium uniformly dispersed throughout the housing.

7. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein: The integral housing includes an array of ribs; and The rib array surrounds the X-ray tube, and each rib in the rib array is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the X-ray tube.

8. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein: The X-ray tube housing is shaped like a frustum of a cone; and The frustum shape has a frustum angle, which is the narrowing angle of the outer surface of the frustum shape, and the frustum angle is at least 0.

2. and no more than 5 .

9. The X-ray source according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply housing includes a sidewall located at the edge of the base, and the interior angle between the base and the sidewall is ≥90.2° and ≤100°.

10. The X-ray source according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply housing includes a sidewall located at the base edge; The sidewall includes an end wall and two side portions; The two sides are opposite to each other; The end wall is adjacent to the X-ray tube housing and the two sides; as well as The interior angle between the end wall and each of the two sides is ≥90.2°. And ≤100 .

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