Tube-to-tube inserts for mobile X-ray and DXR

Abstract

This invention relates to X-ray sources. To provide an X-ray source compatible with different types of systems, a modular X-ray source system (100) is provided, comprising: at least one X-ray tube module (10) including an X-ray generating device, a vacuum housing, and a docking station interface, the X-ray generating device including a cathode and an anode, the vacuum housing enclosing the X-ray generating device within a housing; and a plurality of tube docking stations (110) of at least two different docking station types configured to provide at least two different functions, the plurality of tube docking stations selectively attaching to the docking station interface of the at least one X-ray tube module for operation of the at least one X-ray tube module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to X-ray sources, and more particularly to modular X-ray source systems and methods of using the modular X-ray source system. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray tubes have many applications involving the handling or analysis of samples, such as industrial imaging, analytical instruments, and medical imaging. To meet the diverse performance requirements of these applications, various types of X-ray tubes have been developed. For example, small, mobile X-ray systems typically require only lower X-ray power and have lower heat capacity (including cooling capacity) than standard digital radiometry (DXR) X-ray systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It may be necessary to provide an X-ray source system that is compatible with different types of systems.

[0004] The object of the invention is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the various aspects of the invention described below also apply to modular X-ray source systems and methods of using modular X-ray source systems.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a modular X-ray source system is provided. The modular X-ray source system includes at least one X-ray tube module, the at least one X-ray tube module including an X-ray generating device, a vacuum housing, and a docking station interface, the X-ray generating device including a cathode and an anode, the vacuum housing enclosing the X-ray generating device within a housing. The modular X-ray source system also includes a plurality of tube docking stations of at least two different docking station types configured to provide at least two different functions, the plurality of tube docking stations being selectively attachable to the docking station interface of the at least one X-ray tube module for operating the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0006] Accordingly, a modular X-ray source system is proposed, which features a compatible modular tube design usable in different types of X-ray systems. The modular X-ray source system has at least one X-ray tube module and multiple tube expansion docks of different types. At least one X-ray tube module can be selectively attached to one of the multiple tube expansion docks to form an X-ray source that meets the different performance requirements of different X-ray systems.

[0007] Multiple tube expansion docks of different types provide at least two different functions. As will be described in detail below, the at least two different functions may be selected from the following items: (i) thermal management function for providing thermal management for X-ray tube modules; (ii) radiation shielding function for shielding X-ray tube modules; (iii) high-voltage power supply function for supplying high voltage to X-ray tube modules; and (iv) function for connecting tube expansion docks to two or more X-ray tube modules.

[0008] For example, multiple tube docking stations may include the following three exemplary docking station types.

[0009] The first type of docking station can be a simple tube docking station, providing only main power and necessary control electronics for at least one X-ray tube module, thus allowing only a limited number of low-power shots. In other words, the first type of tube docking station can provide basic low-power functionality for mobile imaging. At least one X-ray tube module can be attached to the first type of tube docking station, thus realizing a compact, stand-alone module in a mobile X-ray environment. For mobile environments, a basic, lightweight, small X-ray tube module will be the fully functional basic unit.

[0010] The second type of docking station can be a tube docking station with liquid cooling and / or an ultra-high pressure generator, allowing the use of at least one X-ray tube module in high-power mode and / or for longer scans. At least one X-ray tube module can be attached to this second type of tube docking station with additional infrastructure (e.g., additional cooling capacity, energy buffering, and additional control electronics). This configuration can be used in standard DXR environments, but at higher power levels.

[0011] The third type of expansion dock can be a tube expansion dock with at least two tube interfaces to allow the simultaneous use of two or more X-ray tube modules. A "multi-tube expansion dock" with multiple X-ray tube modules can be used as a multifocal and multi-functional tube, thereby allowing coverage of a wider field of view (FOV) or providing depth resolution such as tomography.

[0012] Using such modular basic units in various X-ray systems allows for reduced system costs and facilitates easy self-replacement of X-ray tube modules in case of defects or component aging. The modular concept of "using the same X-ray tube module for easy maintenance and replacement at a low cost" allows for modular and upgradeable designs.

[0013] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the at least two different functions include a thermal management function for providing thermal management for the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0014] Accordingly, at least one of the multiple tube expansion docks can have expanded heat capacity via a cooling infrastructure, thereby allowing the use of at least one X-ray tube module in a mobile environment. A liquid cooling system can be added, thereby allowing the use of at least one X-ray tube module in high-power mode and / or for longer scans using at least one X-ray tube module.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock having a cooling device and / or a cooling system, the cooling device being configured to provide passive cooling of the at least one X-ray tube module, and the cooling system being configured to direct a coolant flow to the vicinity of the at least one X-ray tube module such that the coolant removes at least some heat from the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the at least two different functions include a radiation shielding function for shielding the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0017] Additional radiation shielding may be beneficial when using at least one X-ray tube in high-power mode and / or when performing longer scans using at least one X-ray tube module.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock having a radiation shielding device.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the at least two different functions include a high-voltage power supply function for supplying high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0020] Accordingly, additional energy buffering is provided to ensure that at least one X-ray tube module operates normally in high-power mode.

[0021] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the plurality of tube expansion docks include at least one tube expansion dock having a high-voltage generator and / or a high-voltage generator interface, the high-voltage generator being configured to supply the required high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module, the high-voltage generator interface being configured to be electrically connected to an external high-voltage generator, the external high-voltage generator being configured to supply the required high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of tube expansion docks include at least one tube expansion dock having a tube alignment guide, the tube alignment guide being configured to allow free axial movement of the at least one X-ray tube module while restricting at least one of lateral movement and angular movement of the at least one X-ray tube module.

[0023] In this way, non-professionals can easily replace X-ray tube modules, thereby enabling the maintenance and modification of modular X-ray systems by selecting from a variety of types of X-ray tube modules.

[0024] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock configured to attach to two or more X-ray tube modules.

[0025] Accordingly, a "multi-tube expansion dock" with multiple X-ray tube modules can be used as a multifocal and multifunctional tube, thereby allowing for a wider field of view (FOV) or providing depth resolution such as tomography.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one X-ray tube module includes a plurality of X-ray tube modules of at least two different tube types, each tube type having at least one different tube characteristic, and the plurality of X-ray tube modules can be selectively attached to at least one of the plurality of tube expansion docks.

[0027] Accordingly, it is possible to select X-ray tube modules with tube characteristics that meet the requirements of a specific X-ray system.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the at least one different tube characteristic includes one or more of the following:

[0029] Different pipe materials;

[0030] Different focal spot sizes;

[0031] Different focal spot locations;

[0032] Different anode angles;

[0033] Different power capabilities; and

[0034] Different numbers of cathode filaments.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the modular X-ray source system further includes an X-ray source device comprising two or more of the plurality of tube expansion docks arranged in a predetermined geometry, each tube expansion dock being attached to one or more X-ray tube modules.

[0036] Accordingly, the X-ray source system can be configured to cover a wider field of view (FOV). Additionally, each tube expansion dock and X-ray tube module in the X-ray source device can be selected to generate different X-rays at different locations to meet the requirements of specific applications.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for generating X-ray radiation for an X-ray system using a modular X-ray source system according to the first aspect and any associated examples thereof, the method comprising:

[0038] a) Provide at least one X-ray tube module;

[0039] b) Provide at least one tubular expansion dock; and

[0040] c) Attach the at least one X-ray tube module to the at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

[0041] Accordingly, using such modular basic units in various X-ray systems allows for reduced system costs and facilitates easy self-replacement of X-ray tube modules in case of defects or component aging. The modular concept of "using the same X-ray tube module for easy maintenance and replacement at a low cost" allows for modular and upgradeable designs.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, step a) further includes:

[0043] a1) Provide multiple X-ray tube modules with different tube characteristics; and

[0044] a2) Based on the performance requirements of the X-ray system, select one X-ray tube module from the plurality of X-ray tube modules; and

[0045] Step c) further includes:

[0046] The selected X-ray tube module is attached to the at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, step b) further includes:

[0048] b1) Providing multiple tubular expansion docks of at least two different docking dock types, said at least two different docking dock types providing at least two different functions; and

[0049] b2) Based on the performance requirements of the X-ray system, select one tube expansion dock from the plurality of tube expansion docks; and

[0050] Step c) further includes:

[0051] The at least one X-ray tube module is attached to the selected tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

[0052] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0053] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and elucidated by referring to the embodiments described by way of example in the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 An exemplary modular X-ray source system is illustrated.

[0055] Figure 2 An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, which is formed by attaching an X-ray tube module to a tube expansion dock of the first type of expansion dock.

[0056] Figure 3A An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, which is formed by attaching an X-ray tube module to a tube expansion dock of a second type of expansion dock.

[0057] Figure 3B The diagram illustrates the use of Figure 3A An exemplary cooling system for the X-ray source shown.

[0058] Figure 4 An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, which is formed by attaching an X-ray tube module to a tube expansion dock of a third type of expansion dock.

[0059] Figure 5 Another example of a modular X-ray source system is illustrated.

[0060] Figure 6 An exemplary X-ray source device is illustrated.

[0061] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a flowchart describing a method for generating X-ray radiation for an X-ray system using a modular X-ray source system.

[0062] It is important to note that these figures are purely illustrative and not drawn to scale. In the figures, elements corresponding to those already described may have the same reference numerals. Examples, embodiments, or optional features, whether or not indicated as non-limiting, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. Detailed Implementation

[0063] Figure 1An exemplary modular X-ray source system 100 is illustrated. The exemplary modular X-ray source system 100 includes an X-ray tube module 10. At least one X-ray tube module 10 includes an X-ray generating device 12, which includes a cathode 14 and an anode 16. The cathode 14 has an electron emission source configured to emit electrons, and the anode 16 generates X-rays by electron collisions. The anode 16 can be a fixed anode or a rotating anode. When additional infrastructure is attached to the X-ray tube module 10 in an expansion housing, although an optional second cathode is not shown in the figure, it may be used only in high-power modes (e.g., in DXR plug-in mode). The X-ray tube module 10 also includes a vacuum housing 18 that encloses the X-ray generating device 12 within a housing. The X-ray tube module 10 also includes a docking station interface 20. Figure 1 As shown, the expansion dock interface 20 may include one or more electrical interface connections 22, which are configured to electrically connect at least one X-ray tube to one of the plurality of tube expansion docks 110.

[0064] The exemplary modular X-ray source system 100 also includes a plurality of tube expansion docks 110 of at least two different types, each tube expansion dock 110 being selectively attached to an expansion dock interface 20 of an X-ray tube module for operating the X-ray tube module. The at least two different expansion dock types are configured to provide at least two different functions. Examples of the at least two different functions may include at least two functions selected from: (i) a thermal management function for providing thermal management of the X-ray tube module; (ii) a radiation shielding function for shielding the X-ray tube module; (iii) a high-voltage power supply function for supplying high voltage to the X-ray tube module; and (iv) a function for attaching a tube expansion dock to two or more X-ray tube modules.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the multiple tube expansion docks 120 include three tube expansion docks 112, 114, and 116 of three different types of expansion docks. Although only a limited number of tube expansion docks are illustrated here as an example, it should be understood that the multiple tube expansion docks 120 may include more than three tube expansion docks.

[0066] An exemplary tubular docking station 112 of the first type of docking station can be configured to provide some basic functions. For example, such as... Figure 1As shown, the exemplary tube expansion dock 112 may include an X-ray tube interface 120. The X-ray tube interface 120 may include one or more electrical interface connections 122, which are electrically connected to one or more electrical interface connections 22 of the X-ray tube module 10. The exemplary tube expansion dock 112 may also include control electronics 124 configured to control the operation of the X-ray tube module 10. In some embodiments, the control electronics 124 of the exemplary tube expansion dock 112 may include only the basic control electronics necessary to operate the X-ray tube module 10. In some embodiments, the first type of tube expansion dock 112 may include a cooling device configured to provide passive cooling for at least one X-ray tube module. For example, in a mobile scenario, a cooling pack may be used as a simplified cooling option.

[0067] Figure 2 An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, formed by attaching an X-ray tube module 10 to a tube expansion dock 112 of a first-type expansion dock. In this illustrated example, the exemplary tube expansion dock 112 of the first-type expansion dock can be configured to provide main power and control electronics 124 to the X-ray tube module 10. Such a configuration can be used to reduce the number of X-ray shots of a mobile X-ray machine without overheating.

[0068] Back Figure 1 The exemplary tube expansion dock 114 of the second type can be configured to provide one or more additional functions. For example, compared to the tube expansion dock 112 of the first type, the exemplary tube expansion dock 114 of the second type can also provide high-voltage power supply functionality for supplying high voltage to at least one X-ray tube module. For example, the tube expansion dock 114 of the second type may include a high-voltage generator 126 configured to supply the required high voltage to the X-ray tube module 10. Alternatively or additionally, the tube expansion dock 114 may include a high-voltage generator interface (not shown) configured to electrically connect to an external high-voltage generator configured to supply the required high voltage to the X-ray tube module 10. In some embodiments, the tube expansion dock 114 of the second type may also provide thermal management functionality to provide thermal management for at least one X-ray tube module. For example, Figure 1The illustrated tube expansion dock 114 may also include a cooling system 128 configured to direct a coolant flow to the vicinity of at least one X-ray tube module, such that the coolant removes at least some heat from the at least one X-ray tube module. For example, liquid cooling may be used in the tube expansion dock 114 to improve the cooling effect of the X-ray tube module 10. In these embodiments, it may not be necessary to provide special cooling infrastructure in the X-ray tube module 10. A special heat guiding mechanism leading to the housing interface region may be provided at the anode to improve the effect of heat flow to the outside of the X-ray tube module 10, wherein the tube expansion dock 114 may have a cooling interface.

[0069] In some examples, the second type of tube expansion dock 114 can be configured to provide radiation shielding to shield the X-ray tube module 10. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, the second type of tube expansion dock 114 may include a radiation shielding device 130, which may be a lead layer arranged to shield the X-ray tube module 10.

[0070] Although Figure 1 It may be shown that the second type of pipe expansion dock 114 is configured to provide three additional functions, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, the second type of pipe expansion dock 114 may be configured to provide fewer additional functions (e.g., only one cooling function) or more than three functions.

[0071] Figure 3A An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, formed by attaching an X-ray tube module 10 to a tube expansion dock 114 of a second type of expansion dock. In this illustrated example, the exemplary tube expansion dock 114 is configured to provide not only main power and control electronics 124 to the X-ray tube module 10, but also high-voltage power supply, additional cooling, and radiation shielding. This configuration allows the X-ray tube module 10 to be used in high-power mode and / or to perform scans for longer periods.

[0072] Figure 3B The diagram illustrates the use of Figure 3A An exemplary cooling system 128 for the X-ray source is shown. Figure 3B As shown, the exemplary cooling system 128 includes a conduit 130 configured to direct a flow of coolant to the vicinity of the X-ray tube 10. The conduit 130 may be helical in shape to increase the contact surface between the X-ray tube module 10 and the coolant. Figure 3BAs shown, the tube expansion dock 114 may have an electrical connection 132 configured to electrically connect the tube expansion dock 114 to a main power supply. The tube expansion dock 114 may have a cooling interface 134 having an inlet 134a and an outlet 134b. The inlet 134a is used to receive coolant from an external storage tank (not shown) that can hold a certain volume of coolant; the outlet 134b is used to return the coolant flowing through the cooling system 128 to the external storage tank.

[0073] Back Figure 1 An exemplary tube expansion dock 116 of the third type of docking station may be configured with at least two X-ray tube interfaces to allow simultaneous use of two or more X-ray tube modules 10. In the illustrated example, the tube expansion dock 116 of the third type of docking station includes a first X-ray tube interface 120a and a second X-ray tube interface 120b. The tube expansion dock 116 may include control electronics 124 configured to control the operation of the two or more connected X-ray tube modules. The tube expansion dock 116 may also include a high-voltage generator 126 configured to supply the required high voltage to the two or more connected X-ray tube modules. Although not shown in the figures, the tube expansion dock 116 of the third type of docking station may alternatively or additionally include a cooling system and / or a radiation shielding device, the cooling system being configured to direct a coolant flow to the vicinity of the two or more connected X-ray tube modules such that the coolant removes at least some heat from the two or more connected X-ray tube modules, and the radiation shielding device being configured to shield the two or more connected X-ray tube modules.

[0074] Figure 4 An exemplary X-ray source is illustrated, formed by attaching a third-type tube extension dock 116 to two or more X-ray tube modules. In the illustrated example, the focal points of the two X-ray tube modules 10a and 10b are relatively far apart to irradiate different body parts of the subject. Figure 4 As shown, the two X-ray fan-shaped beams may partially overlap, but they can still be detected by a large detector 30. This configuration can be used to cover a wider field of view (FOV). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the tube expansion dock 116 can be configured to be connected to two X-ray tube modules whose focal points are more distant than... Figure 4 The distances shown are smaller so that the beams largely overlap, thus providing depth resolution similar to tomography. In other words, Figure 4The X-ray source shown can be configured to cover a wider field of view (FOV) or provide depth resolution like tomography. For both applications, time-staggered irradiation can be used, allowing any detected radiation to be correlated with the correct X-ray tube module.

[0075] Figure 5 Another example of a modular X-ray source system 100 is illustrated. In the illustrated example, the modular X-ray source system 100 includes multiple X-ray tube modules of at least two different tube types, which can be selectively attached to at least one of a plurality of tube expansion docks 110 (e.g., Figure 5 (See tube expansion docks 112, 114, and 116). Each tube type has at least one different tube characteristic. Examples of at least one different tube characteristic may include, but are not limited to: different tube materials, different focal spot sizes, different focal spot positions, different anode angles, different power capabilities, and different numbers of cathode filaments. In this way, it is possible to select an X-ray tube module with the desired X-ray tube characteristics from a plurality of X-ray tube modules according to a specific application and attach the selected X-ray tube module to one of the plurality of tube expansion docks 110. To facilitate the replacement of X-ray tube modules, the plurality of tube expansion docks may include at least one tube expansion dock with a tube alignment rail configured to allow free axial movement of at least one X-ray tube module while restricting at least one of lateral and angular movement of at least one X-ray tube module. In this way, it is possible to allow non-professionals to easily replace X-ray tube modules, thereby maintaining and modifying modular X-ray systems by selecting multiple types of X-ray tube modules.

[0076] Figure 6An exemplary X-ray source apparatus 140 is illustrated, comprising two or more tube expansion docks (e.g., a linear array of tube expansion docks) arranged in a predetermined geometry. Each tube expansion dock is attached to one or more X-ray tube modules. In this illustrated example, the X-ray source apparatus 140 includes three tube expansion docks: a first tube expansion dock 112 of a first type, a second tube expansion dock 114 of a second type, and a third tube expansion dock 116 of a third type. Three X-ray tube modules 10a, 10b, and 10c are correspondingly attached to these tube expansion docks. In some embodiments, these X-ray tube modules 10a, 10b, and 10c may be X-ray tube modules with similar tube properties. In some embodiments, these X-ray tube modules 10a, 10b, and 10c may be X-ray tube modules with different tube properties. For example, X-ray tube module 10b may have different anode materials to generate X-rays with different spectra. X-ray source unit 140 can be used to generate X-rays with a larger field of view (FOV). Additionally, each tube expansion dock and X-ray tube module can be selected to generate different X-rays at different locations to meet the requirements of specific applications. Although Figure 6 A limited number of tube expansion docks may be shown in the X-ray source apparatus 140 as an example, but it should be understood that the X-ray source apparatus 140 may include more tube expansion docks arranged in any predetermined geometry.

[0077] Figure 7 The illustration shows a flowchart of a method 200 for generating X-ray radiation for an X-ray system using the modular X-ray source system disclosed herein.

[0078] At box 210 (i.e., step a), method 200 includes providing at least one X-ray tube module (e.g., Figure 1 The steps of the X-ray tube module 10 shown.

[0079] At box 220 (i.e., step b), method 200 further includes providing at least one pipe expansion dock (e.g., Figure 1 The steps are shown for one of the multiple tube expansion docks.

[0080] At block 230 (i.e., step c), method 200 further includes the step of attaching at least one X-ray tube module to at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays. Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 4 Some exemplary X-ray sources are shown, which are formed by attaching at least one X-ray tube module to at least one tube expansion dock.

[0081] In some implementations, there may be multiple X-ray tube modules (e.g., Figure 5 The X-ray tube modules 10a, 10b, and 10c shown are available. At block 212, method 200 may further include the step of providing a plurality of X-ray tube modules with different tube characteristics. At block 214, method 200 may further include the step of selecting an X-ray tube module from the plurality of X-ray tube modules based on the performance requirements required by the X-ray system. At block 230, the selected X-ray tube module is attached to at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

[0082] In some embodiments, step b) may further include the following steps. At block 222, method 200 may further include the step of providing a plurality of tube expansion docks of at least two different dock types, said at least two dock types providing at least two different functions. At block 224, the method may further include the step of selecting a tube expansion dock from the plurality of tube expansion docks based on the performance requirements required by the X-ray system. At block 230, at least one X-ray tube module is attached to the selected tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

[0083] It must be noted that embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method claims, while others are described with reference to apparatus claims. However, those skilled in the art will conclude from the above and following description that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features relating to different subjects, except for any combination of features belonging to the same type of subject matter, is also considered to be part of the disclosure of this application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergistic effects beyond the simple sum of these features.

[0084] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered illustrative or exemplary, not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art, through studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention.

[0085] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the quantifiers "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although some measures are recited in different dependent claims, this does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A modular X-ray source system (100), comprising: At least one X-ray tube module (10) includes an X-ray generating device, a vacuum housing, and a docking station interface, the X-ray generating device including a cathode and an anode, and the vacuum housing enclosing the X-ray generating device in a housing; as well as Multiple tube expansion docks (110) of at least two different expansion dock types, the at least two different expansion dock types being configured to provide at least two different functions, the multiple tube expansion docks being selectively attached to the expansion dock interface of the at least one X-ray tube module for operating the at least one X-ray tube module.

2. The modular X-ray source system according to claim 1, in, The at least two different functions include a thermal management function for providing thermal management for the at least one X-ray tube module.

3. The modular X-ray source system according to claim 2, in, The plurality of tube expansion docks include at least one tube expansion dock having a cooling device and / or a cooling system (128) configured to provide passive cooling to the at least one X-ray tube module, and the cooling system configured to direct a coolant flow to the vicinity of the at least one X-ray tube module such that the coolant removes at least some heat from the at least one X-ray tube module.

4. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least two different functions include a radiation shielding function for shielding the at least one X-ray tube module.

5. The modular X-ray source system according to claim 4, in, The plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock with a radiation shielding device (130).

6. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least two different functions include a high-voltage power supply function for supplying high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module.

7. The modular X-ray source system according to claim 6, in, The plurality of tube expansion docks include at least one tube expansion dock having a high-voltage generator (126) and / or a high-voltage generator interface, the high-voltage generator being configured to supply the required high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module, the high-voltage generator interface being configured to be electrically connected to an external high-voltage generator, the external high-voltage generator being configured to supply the required high voltage to the at least one X-ray tube module.

8. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock with a tube alignment guide, the tube alignment guide being configured to allow free axial movement of the at least one X-ray tube module while restricting at least one of lateral and angular movement of the at least one X-ray tube module.

9. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The plurality of tube expansion docks includes at least one tube expansion dock configured to attach to two or more X-ray tube modules.

10. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The at least one X-ray tube module includes multiple X-ray tube modules (10a, 10b, 10c) of at least two different tube types, each tube type having at least one different tube characteristic, and the multiple X-ray tube modules can be selectively attached to at least one of the multiple tube expansion docks.

11. The modular X-ray source system according to claim 10, in, The at least one different pipe characteristic includes one or more of the following: Different pipe materials; Different focal spot sizes; Different focal spot locations; Different anode angles; Different power capabilities; and Different numbers of cathode filaments.

12. The modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: An X-ray source apparatus comprising two or more of the plurality of tube expansion docks arranged in a predetermined geometry, each tube expansion dock being attached to one or more X-ray tube modules.

13. A method (200) for generating X-ray radiation for an X-ray system using a modular X-ray source system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: a) Provide at least one X-ray tube module (210); b) Provide at least one pipe expansion dock (220); as well as c) Attach (230) the at least one X-ray tube module to the at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

14. The method according to claim 13, in, Step a) also includes: Multiple X-ray tube modules with different tube characteristics are available; and Based on the performance requirements of the X-ray system, one X-ray tube module is selected from the plurality of X-ray tube modules; and Step c) further includes: The selected X-ray tube module is attached to the at least one tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, in, Step b) also includes: Provides multiple tubular expansion docks of at least two different docking dock types, wherein the at least two different docking dock types provide at least two different functions; and Based on the performance requirements of the X-ray system, one tube expansion dock is selected from the plurality of tube expansion docks; and Step c) further includes: The at least one X-ray tube module is attached to the selected tube expansion dock for generating X-rays.

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