X-ray tube assembly

Abstract

Electric field shields and mounting brackets for x-ray tubes are disclosed. An x-ray tube assembly can include a corona shield, an x-ray tube removably secured to the corona shield, and a mounting base directly coupled to the corona shield. The mounting base can define an x-ray window.

Description

Attorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01X-RAY TUBE ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 770,525, filed 12 March 2025, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to x-ray tubes, and more particularly, to x-ray tube assemblies including electric field shields and single-component or unitary mounting bases.BACKGROUND

[0003] X-ray tubes are tools that are used in a wide variety of applications, both industrial and medical. An x-ray tube typically includes a cathode assembly and an anode positioned within an evacuated enclosure. The cathode assembly includes an electron source, and the anode includes a target surface that is oriented to receive electrons emitted by the electron source. During operation of the x-ray tube, an electric current is applied to the electron source, which causes electrons to be produced by thermionic emission or field emission. The electrons are accelerated toward the target surface of the anode by applying a high-voltage potential between the cathode assembly and the anode. When the electrons strike the anode target surface, the kinetic energy of the electrons causes the production of x-rays. The x-rays are produced omnidirectionally. The x-rays that exit the x-ray tube interact with a material sample, patient, or other object and a remainder of the x-rays that do not exit the x-ray tube are absorbed by other structures of the x-ray tube.14927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 SUMMARY

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an x-ray tube assembly including a corona shield, an x-ray tube removably secured to the corona shield, and a mounting base directly coupled to the corona shield. The mounting base can define an x-ray window.

[0005] In one or all examples, the corona shield can define a recess and the mounting base can extend at least partially into the recess. In one or all examples, the mounting base can define a recess and the corona shield can extend at least partially into the recess. In one or all examples, the mounting base can define a recess and the x-ray tube can extend at least partially into the recess.

[0006] In one or all examples, the mounting base can include anon-conductive material. The corona shield can include a conductive material. In one or all examples, the x-ray tube assembly can include a fastener that can be configured to removably secure the mounting base to the corona shield. The fastener can include a non-conductive material. In one or all examples, the corona shield can be configured to receive a wire that can electrically couple to the x-ray tube.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly for an x-ray tube, the mounting assembly including a mounting bracket and an electric field in contact with and coupled to the mounting bracket. The electric field shield can include a first opening configured to secure an x-ray tube to the electric field shield and a second opening configured to receive a wire configured to be electrically coupled to the x-ray tube.

[0008] In one or all examples, the mounting bracket can be coupled to the electric field shield by a fastener. The fastener can include a non-metallic material. In one or all examples, the mounting bracket can define an x-ray window. The mounting bracket can further include a collimator at least partially encircling the x-ray window.

[0009] In one or all examples, the electric field shield can include a metallic material and the mounting bracket can include a non-metallic material. In one or all examples, the electric field shield can define a recess and the mounting bracket can extend at least partially into the recess such that the electric field shield and the mounting bracket overlap. The electric field shield and the mounting bracket can overlap by at least 2 mm. In one or all examples, a planar surface of the electric field shield can be in contact with a planar surface of the mounting bracket.

[0010] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an x-ray tube assembly including an x-ray tube, a mounting bracket, and a corona shield coupling the x-ray tube to the24927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 mounting bracket. The corona shield can define a recess that configured to receive at least a portion of the mounting bracket between two portions of the corona shield.

[0011] In one or all examples, the two portions of the corona shield define two curved surfaces of the corona shield on opposite sides of the recess. The recess is defined by a planar surface between two curved surfaces of the corona shield. The x-ray tube can be configured to emit x-rays through a housing of the x-ray tube and a window defined by the mounting bracket.34927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an x-ray source.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an x-ray tube assembly.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the x-ray tube assembly of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom-up view of the x-ray tube assembly of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates a back-to-front cross-sectional view of the x-ray tube assembly of FIG. 2.44927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary7, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

[0019] The following disclosure relates to x-ray tubes used to generate x-rays. Representative applications for x-ray tubes include, but are not limited to, imaging, medicine, diagnostics, radiology, radiotherapy, radiography and tomography, and a range of industrial x-ray¬ technologies. More specifically, the following disclosure relates to mounting brackets and electric field shields that can be used with x-ray tubes in x-ray tube assemblies.

[0020] During the operation of a typical x-ray tube, the high-voltage power that powers the x-ray tube can produce a byproduct of static electric fields, which can damage components of the x-ray tube or can be otherwise problematic. Further, x-ray tubes are ty pically mounted within a housing of an x-ray sy stem by multi-piece mounting brackets, which can increase part count, increase cost, increase part variation, and increase potential failure.

[0021] In one or all examples of the present disclosure, an x-ray tube assembly can include an x-ray tube, an electric field shield removably secured to the x-ray tube, and a mounting base removably secured to the electric field shield. The electric field shield can be provided to make an electric field generated by high voltage of the x-ray tube more uniform and can reduce the likelihood of electrical breakdown, such as arcing in the x-ray tube. More specifically, the electric field shield can prevent corona discharge from the x-ray tube by distributing the electric field generated by the high voltage of the x-ray tube around sharp edges of the x-raytube. In this way, the electric field shield can minimize the risk of electrical breakdown, such as arcing, and minimize unwanted radiation emission. The electric field shield can prevent damage to components of the x-ray tube caused by arcing and the like and increase the longevity of the x-ray tube.

[0022] In one or all examples, at least one of the electric field shields or the mounting base can define a recess that the other of the electric field shield or the mounting base can extend into. The recess can define an overlap between the electric field shield and the mounting base. The overlap between the corona shield and the mounting base can further reduce the electrical field strength around the x-ray tube and reduce arcing within the x-ray tube assembly. This can also prevent damage to components of the x-ray tube caused by undesirable arcing and the like, and can thereby increase the longevity7of the x-ray tube.54927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0023] The mounting base can be a unitary' or single-piece component that is used to mount the electric field shield and the x-ray tube within an x-ray system. Specifically, the x-ray tube can be mounted to the electric field shield, the electric field shield can be mounted to the mounting base, and the mounting base can be mounted to a housing of the x-ray system. The mounting base can define an x-ray window through which a portion of x-rays produced by the x-ray tube can exit the mounting base. X-rays can be produced by the x-ray system in the x-ray tube and directed through the mounting base towards an object. By forming the mounting base as a unitary component, rather than a typical multi-piece component, a part count, part variation, assembly time, cost, and potential failure areas for the x-ray tube assemblies of the present disclosure can be decreased, while tighter tolerances between components can be achieved.

[0024] These and other examples are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature including at least one of a first option, a second option, or a third option should be understood as referring to a system, a method, an article, a component, a feature, or a sub-feature that can include one of each listed option (e.g., only one of the first option, only one of the second option, or only one of the third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more of the first option), two options simultaneously (e.g., one of the first option and one of the second option), or combination thereof (e.g., two of the first option and one of the second option).

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an x-ray source 100. The x-ray source 100 can be used to produce radiation, such as x-rays, which can be used in a number of contexts. For example, the x-ray source 100 can be employed in systems and devices configured for use in applications including, but not limited to, radiography, mammography, computed tomography (CT), diagnostic, industrial, and many other applications.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the x-ray source 100 can include a housing 102. The housing 102 can define an internal volume 103. The x-ray source 100 can include one or more x-ray tube assemblies 104 positioned in the internal volume 103 of the housing 102. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the x-ray source 100 can include five x-ray tube assemblies 104.However, it will be understood that the x-ray source 100 can include any suitable number of x-ray tube assemblies 104, such as a greater or fewer number than five x-ray tube assemblies 104.64927-0208-7570UAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0027] Each of the x-ray tube assemblies 104 can include an x-ray tube 110, an electric field shield 106 (also referred to as a corona shield), and a mounting bracket 108. The x-ray tube 110 can produce x-rays. For example, the x-ray tube 110 can be coupled to a high voltage source through the corona shield 106. Applying the high voltage source to the x-ray tube 110 can be used to emit electrons from a cathode of the x-ray tube 110, towards an anode of the x-ray tube 110, and can be used to produce x-rays from a target surface of the anode of the x-ray tube 110. The cathode and the anode of the x-ray tube 110 can be disposed at least partially within an evacuated enclosure of the x-ray tube 110. The x-rays can then be directed through a window in the mounting bracket 108 towards an object.

[0028] The x-ray tube 110 can be removably secured to the corona shield 106. The corona shield 106 can be coupled to wires that supply the high voltage to the x-ray tube 110. The corona shield 106 can be formed from a conductive material and can include rounded surfaces and edges. The corona shield 106 can be provided to make electric fields around the x-ray tube 110 (e.g., generated by the high voltage of the x-ray tube 110) more even. In one or all examples, the corona shield 106 of the x-ray assembly can prevent corona discharge by distributing electric fields generated by the x-ray tube 110 around any sharp edges of the x-ray tube 110. In this way, the corona shield 106 can minimize a risk of electrical breakdown, such as arcing, and minimize unwanted radiation emission. The corona shield 106 can prevent damage to components of the x-ray tube 110 and the x-ray source 100 caused by electrical arcing and the like, improving the longevity of the x-ray tube 110 and the x-ray source 100.

[0029] The mounting bracket 108 can be used to mount the x-ray tube 110 and the corona shield 106 to the housing 102 of the x-ray source 100. The mounting bracket 108 can be a single or unitary component that can be directly coupled to the corona shield 106 and the housing 102 of the x-ray source 100. In one or all examples, the mounting bracket 108 can contact the corona shield 106 and / or the housing 102 and can be fastened to the corona shield 106 and / or the housing 102 by fasteners or the like. The mounting bracket 108 can be coupled to the corona shield 106 and / or the housing 102 by any suitable means, such as fasteners, clips, threads, brazing, glues, welding, soldering, or the like. In one or all examples, the mounting bracket 108 can be coupled to the housing 102 by non-conductive bolts, by conductive bolts having rounded tips (e.g., by metal bolts with rounded tips), or the like. This can prevent electrical issues (e.g., breakdown, arcing, or the like) between the mounting bracket 108 and the housing 102. By forming the mounting bracket 108 as a unitary component, a part count, part variation, assembly time, cost, and potential failure areas for each of the x-ray tube74927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 assemblies 104 can be decreased, while tighter tolerances between the components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104 can be achieved.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the housing 102 of the x-ray source 100 can define a curvature such that each of the individual x-ray tube assemblies 104 can be configured to generate x-rays at a different angle relative to each other. This can be used to produce images of objects imaged by the x-ray source 100 from slightly different angles, which can be used to produce more detailed images with more contrast and resolution compared to x-ray sources that include a single x-ray tube assembly 104. Although the present disclosure is described in the context of an x-ray source 100 including multiple x-ray tube assemblies 104, the teachings of the present disclosure can also be applied to x-ray sources that include a single x-ray tube assembly or any number of x-ray tube assemblies.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of an x-ray tube assembly 204. The x-ray tube assembly 204 can be the same as or similar to the x-ray tube assemblies 104, discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, and can be used in the x-ray source 100. More specifically, components of the x-ray tube assembly 204 referred to by the same names as components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104 can be the same as or similar to the components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104. The x-ray tube assembly 204 can include an x-ray tube 212, a corona shield 206, and a mounting bracket 208. The x-ray tube 212 can be coupled to the corona shield 206, which can be coupled to the corona shield 206. The x-ray tube 212 can be directly coupled to the corona shield 206 (<?.g., the x-ray tube 212 can contact the corona shield 206). The corona shield 206 can be directly coupled to the mounting bracket 208 (e.g., the corona shield 206 can contact the mounting bracket 208).

[0032] The x-ray tube 212 can include a cathode assembly 234 and an anode 232 disposed at least partially within an evacuated enclosure 210. The evacuated enclosure 210 can be referred to as an enclosure, a vacuum enclosure, or the like. The x-ray tube 212 can operate by emitting electrons from an emitter of the cathode assembly 234 seated in a cathode head of the cathode assembly 234. The emitter can be oriented toward the anode 232. A high voltage potential difference can be applied between the emitter of the cathode assembly 234 and the anode 232, which results in an electron beam being formed from the emitter toward the anode 232. The electron beam can impinge on a focal spot defined on a target of the anode 232. Kinetic energy from the electron beam can be converted to high energy radiation in the form of x-rays when the electron beam contacts the target. A portion of the x-rays can exit the x-ray tube 212 through a window formed in the evacuated enclosure 210 or can exit omnidirectionally through the entirety of the x-ray tube 212. In the example of FIG. 2, the evacuated enclosure 210 can be 84927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 formed from glass or another radiotransparent material, and x-rays produced by the x-ray tube 212 can exit the x-ray tube 212 omnidirectionally through the evacuated enclosure 210. At least a portion of the x-rays can then be directed through an x-ray window formed in the mounting bracket 208.

[0033] The corona shield 206 can be provided to improve electric fields produced by or present around the x-ray tube 212. The corona shield 206 can make electric fields around the x-ray tube 212 more even. The corona shield 206 can suppress corona discharge during operation of the x-ray tube 212. A corona discharge is a type of electrical discharge that occurs when a high voltage applied to a conductor causes the surrounding air (or other fluid) to ionize and create a conductive pathway for a small electrical current to flow (e.g., arcing). Preventing corona discharge, electrical arcing, and other electrical breakdowns in the x-ray tube 212 can improve the quality of an x-ray beam produced by the x-ray tube 212, prevent or reduce damage to components of the x-ray tube 212, increase the longevity of the x-ray tube 212, and the like. In one or all examples, the corona shield 206 can suppress or prevent electrical breakdowns by spreading out the electric fields produced by the x-ray tube 212 over a larger area, thereby reducing the field intensity at sharp points where electrical breakdowns are most likely to occur.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the corona shield 206 can have curved edges and corners, which can help to prevent electrical breakdown. The corona shield 206 can surround portions of the x-ray tube 212 that are susceptible to electrical breakdown, such as sharp corners or edges of the x-ray tube 212. The corona shield 206 can be formed from conductive materials, such as metals. For example, the corona shield 206 can be formed from aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, alloys thereof, multiple layers thereof, or the like.

[0035] The x-ray tube 212 can be removably coupled to the corona shield 206. For example, the corona shield 206 can include a first opening 216 that can receive a fastener 226. which can be removably coupled to the x-ray tube 212. The fastener 226 can be any suitable fastener, such as a threaded fastener, a screw, a bolt, or the like. The fastener 226 can secure the x-ray tube 212 to the corona shield 206. The x-ray tube 212 can define threads configured to receive the threaded fastener 226 to secure the x-ray tube 212 to the corona shield 206. The x-ray tube 212 can be coupled to the corona shield 206 by a single fastener 226, which allows for the x-ray tube 212 to be removed and replaced by removing the single fastener 226. In one or all examples, additional fasteners 226 can be used to secure the x-ray tube 212 to the corona shield 206.94927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0036] The x-ray tube 212 can be coupled to a first wire 222 and a second wire 224 through the corona shield 206. The first wire 222 and the second wire 224 can be used to supply power (e.g., high voltage power) to the x-ray tube 212. The corona shield 206 can include a second opening 218 and a third opening 220 configured to removably couple the first wire 222 and the second wire 224, respectively, to the corona shield 206. Fasteners 228 and 230 can secure the first wire 222 and the second wire 224, respectively, to the corona shield 206. The fasteners 228, 230 can be any suitable fasteners, such as threaded fasteners, screws e.g.. set screws), bolts, or the like. Openings in the corona shield 206 that receive the fasteners 228, 230 can be threaded.

[0037] The x-ray tube 212 of the present disclosure can be easily mounted, removed, and replaced from the corona shield 206. For example, the x-ray tube 212 can be mounted or coupled to the corona shield 206 by positioning the x-ray tube 212 adjacent to the corona shield and tightening the fastener 226. The x-ray tube 212 can be removed from the corona shield 206 by loosening the fastener 226 and removing the x-ray tube 212 from the corona shield 206. Thus, a single fastener 226 can be used to couple and remove the x-ray tube 212 and the corona shield 206. The first wire 222 and the second wire 224 can remain in place as the x-ray tube 212 is coupled to or removed from the corona shield 206. This allows for easier assembly, maintenance, and disassembly of the x-ray tube assembly 204.

[0038] The mounting bracket 208 can be used to couple or mount the corona shield 206 (and the x-ray tube 212) to a housing of an x-ray source or an x-ray system. The mounting bracket 208 can be a unitary or singular component. The mounting bracket 208 can be a single machined part, a single molded part, or an otherwise manufactured single part. The mounting bracket 208 can be formed from non-conductive or non-metallic materials, such as polymers, rubbers, ceramics, plastics, any other suitable non-conductive materials, or the like. By forming the mounting bracket 208 from a non-conductive material, electrical isolation between the anode 232 and a housing to which the x-ray tube assembly 204 is mounted (e.g, the housing 102) can be maintained and arcs can be prevented. The mounting bracket 208 can provide a low attenuation window through which x-rays generated by the x-ray tube 212 can pass. By forming the mounting bracket 208 as a single, unitary7component, a part count, part variation, assembly time, cost, and potential failure areas for the x-ray tube assembly 204 can be decreased, while tighter tolerances between components can be achieved. Further, the mounting bracket 208 can be a single component disposed between the x-ray tube 212 and a housing of an x-ray source. This can limit potential vacuum leaks between the x-ray tube 212104927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 and the housing, limit potential failure areas, and simplify manufacturing and assembly processes for the x-ray tube assembly 204 and the x-ray source.

[0039] The corona shield 206 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 208 by one or more fasteners 214. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the corona shield 206 can be secured to the mounting bracket 208 by two fasteners 214; however, a greater or fewer number of fasteners can be used. The fasteners 214 can be formed from non-conductive or non-metallic materials, such as polymers, rubbers, ceramics, plastics, any other suitable non-conductive materials, or the like. By forming the fasteners 214 from non-conductive materials, interactions between the fasteners 214 and electric fields present around the corona shield 206 and the x-ray tube 212 can be prevented. For example, this can further limit or prevent electrical breakdown from occurring at or around the fasteners 214.

[0040] The mounting bracket 208 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the x-ray tube 212. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the mounting bracket 208 can define a recess 236 in a top surface 205 of the mounting bracket 208 (e.g., a surface of the mounting bracket 208 proximal the x-ray tube 212). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the evacuated enclosure 210 can be a round or curved enclosure. The recess 236 can be a curved recess with a shape corresponding to a shape of the evacuated enclosure 210 of the x-ray tube 212. When the x-ray tube 212 is coupled to the corona shield 206 and the corona shield 206 is coupled to the mounting bracket 208, at least a portion of the x-ray tube 212 can extend into and be received by the recess 236 of the mounting bracket 208. This can reduce a size of the x-ray tube assembly 204 and maintain relative positions of the x-ray tube 212, the mounting bracket 208, and the corona shield 206. In one or all examples, the x-ray tube 212 can be in contact with the mounting bracket 208 or can be spaced apart from the mounting bracket 208. It will be understood that the recess 236 can be altered or customized in order to accommodate evacuated enclosures 210 and x-ray tubes 212 having different shapes or dimensions.

[0041] The mounting bracket 208 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the corona shield 206. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the mounting bracket 208 can define a recess 238 in a top surface 205 of the mounting bracket 208 (e.g., a surface of the mounting bracket 208 proximal the corona shield 206). In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the corona shield 206 can be a round or curved shield, that has a flat or planar surface proximal the mounting bracket 208. The recess 238 can include curved portions and flat portions that correspond to a shape of the corona shield 206. The mounting bracket 208 and the corona shield 206 can be shaped to reduce electric fields around the mounting bracket 208 and the corona shield 206 or114927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 make the electrical fields more uniform, thereby reducing electrical breakdown. The corona shield 206 and the mounting bracket 208 can directly contact one another.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the mounting bracket 208 can define a mount protrusion 207 extending from a cylindrical, round, or circular base. The mount protrusion 207 can be defined to secure the corona shield 206 to the mounting bracket 208. The recess 238 can be at least partially defined by the mount protrusion 207. The mount protrusion 207 can define openings through which the fasteners 214 can extend in order to mount the corona shield 206 to the mounting bracket 208.

[0043] The corona shield 206 and the mounting bracket 208 can each be formed as single, unitary components, which can reduce a part count, reduce cost, reduce manufacturing and assembly time, reduce part variation, and improve tolerances in the x-ray tube assembly 204. The corona shield 206 and the mounting bracket 208 can be formed by various additive or subtractive manufacturing processes, including 3D printing, molding, sintering, machining, milling, turning, drilling, boring, reaming, waterjet machining, and the like.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an x-ray tube assembly 304. The crosssection illustrated in FIG. 3 can be taken along reference line A- A, illustrated in FIG. 1. The x-ray tube assembly 304 can be the same as or similar to the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 and can be used in the x-ray source 100. More specifically, components of the x-ray tube assembly 304 referred to by the same names as components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204 can be the same as or similar to the components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104. 204. The x-ray tube assembly 304 can include an x-ray tube 312, a mounting bracket 308, and a corona shield 306. The x-ray tube 312 can be coupled to the corona shield 306 and the corona shield 306 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 308. The mounting bracket 308 can include a recess 336, which can receive at least a portion of the x-ray tube 312. The recess 336 can have a shape corresponding to a shape of the x-ray tube 312. For example, the recess 336 can receive a central portion of the x-ray tube 312 having a relatively large diameter, without receiving tapered, narrower diameter portions of the x-ray tube 312.

[0045] The corona shield 306 can be provided to improve electric fields produced by or present around the x-ray tube 312, reducing electrical breakdown, and improving performance and longevity of the x-ray tube 312. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the corona shield 306 can define a recess 311. which can at least partially receive the x-ray tube 312. The recess 311 can be defined by surfaces of the corona shield 306 that correspond to a curvature 309 or surfaces of the x-ray tube 312. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the recess 311 can be defined by curved corners 124927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 (rather than sharp corners), such that the corona shield 306 does not define sharp corners between the corona shield 306 and the x-ray tube 312. This improves the uniformity of electric fields around the x-ray tube 312 and the corona shield 306 and mitigates the generation of electrical breakdown (e.g., corona discharge, electrical arcing, and the like). The x-ray tube 312 can have various sharp edges, comers, and interfaces, and providing the corona shield 306 adjacent to the x-ray tube 312 can prevent electrical breakdown in the x-ray tube 312. The x-ray tube 312 can have a stepped shape with varying diameters, and the corona shield 306 can have a corresponding stepped shape with varying diameters. The recess 311 can have rounded corners between steps in the diameter of the recess 311.

[0046] In one or all examples, the x-ray tube 312 can be coupled to or mounted to the corona shield 306 by a single fastener 326. For example, the corona shield 306 can define a first opening 316 configured to receive the fastener 326. The fastener 326 can be any suitable fastener, such as a threaded fastener, a screw, a bolt, or the like. The x-ray tube 312 can include a threaded opening corresponding to the first opening 316 and the fastener 326. For example, the fastener 326 can be inserted into the first opening 316 and can be threaded into an anode 332 of the x-ray tube 312 to secure the x-ray tube 312 to the corona shield 306. The x-ray tube 312 can be removed from the corona shield 306 by removing the fastener 326, which allows for quick and easy mounting, removing, replacing, and service of the x-ray tube 312.

[0047] X-rays generated by the x-ray tube 312 can pass through the mounting bracket 308 and out of a housing of an x-ray source to which the mounting bracket is coupled. For example, the mounting bracket 308 can define an x-ray window 340. The x-ray window 340 can be disposed at an end of the mounting bracket 308 adjacent to the x-ray tube 312. The x-ray window 340 can be formed in the mounting bracket 308 in or adjacent to the recess 336 of the mounting bracket 308 that receives at least a portion of the x-ray tube 312. The x-ray window 340 can be aligned with the anode 332 of the x-ray tube 312 so that x-rays generated from the anode 332 are directed through the x-ray window 340.

[0048] The mounting bracket 308 can be formed as a single or unitary component that defines the x-ray window 340 and is coupled to the corona shield 306. Forming the mounting bracket 308 as a unitary component can reduce a part count of the x-ray tube assembly 304, reduce costs, reduce assembly time, reduce part variation, and allow for tighter tolerances to be achieved. Moreover, only a single seal can be formed between the mounting bracket 308 and a housing to which the mounting bracket 308 is coupled or mounted, reducing oil leaks (e.g., from a housing through the mounting bracket 308), potential failure areas, and the like.134927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0049] In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, an evacuated enclosure 310 of the x-ray tube 312 can be formed from a radio translucent material, such as glass or the like. As such, the evacuated enclosure 310 may not specifically include an x-ray window. However, in one or all examples, at least a portion of the evacuated enclosure 310 can be formed from a radiopaque material and the evacuated enclosure 310 can include an x-ray window defined therein. The x-ray window' of the evacuated enclosure 310 can be aligned with the x-ray window' 340 of the mounting bracket 308 such that x-rays can exit through the evacuated enclosure 310 and through the x-ray window 340. After the x-rays pass through the x-ray window 340, the x-rays can pass through a recess 342 defined by the mounting bracket 308, and the x-rays can pass through a housing of an x-ray source to which the mounting bracket 308 is coupled. The mounting bracket 308 can be formed from non-conductive or non-metallic materials to avoid any interference with the x-rays that pass through the mounting bracket 308.

[0050] The mounting bracket 308 can further include a collimator 344, which can be coupled to the mounting bracket 308 within the recess 342. The collimator 344 can at least partially encircle the x-ray window 340. The collimator 344 can block x-rays that pass through or around the x-ray window 340 and can define a shape and area of x-rays that pass out of the mounting bracket 308. The collimator 344 can be formed from a radiopaque material, such as tungsten, molybdenum, or another high molecular weight material. The collimator 344 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 308 in any suitable fashion. For example, the collimator 344 can be attached to the mounting bracket 308 by fasteners, clips, glues, threads, welding, soldering, or the like.

[0051] The corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 can define various features that can be used to couple the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 to one another, position the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 relative to one another, and reduce or make more uniform electric fields generated by the x-ray tube 312. For example, the corona shield 306 can define a corona recess 348 and the mounting bracket 308 can define a mount protrusion 350 configured to extend into the corona recess 348. The corona recess 348 can defined by a planar or flat surface of the corona shield 306 and the mounting protrusion 350 can define a planar or flat surface that interfaces with the planar surface of the corona shield. The planar surfaces between the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 can help to position the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 relative to one another.

[0052] The mounting bracket 308 can define a mounting recess 352 and the corona shield 306 can define a corona protrusion 354 configured to extend into the mounting recess 352. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the mounting recess 352 and the corona protrusion 354 can be defined by 144927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 curved surfaces of the mounting bracket 308 and the corona shield 306, respectively. By defining the mounting recess 352 and the corona protrusion 354 with curved surfaces, electric fields in the areas around the mounting recess 352 and the corona protrusion 354 can be reduced and electrical breakdown can be avoided.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the corona shield 306 can define the corona recess 348 between two portions 356 of the corona shield 306. The two portions 356 can be two protrusions or extensions of the corona shield 306. Each of the two portions can define curved surfaces of the corona shield 306 on opposite sides of the corona recess 348. The corona protrusion 354 can be one of the two portions 356 of the corona shield 306. By defining the two portions 356 with curved surfaces, electric fields in the areas around the two portions 356 can be reduced and electrical breakdown can be avoided. The mount protrusion 350 can extend into the corona recess 348 between the two portions 356.

[0054] Based on the configuration of the corona recess 348, the corona protrusion 354, the two portions 356, the mount protrusion 350, and the mounting recess 352, portions of the mounting bracket 308 can extend into the corona recess 348 and portions of the corona shield 306 can extend into the mounting recess 352. These portions of the mounting bracket 308 and the corona shield 306 can define an overlap between the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308. The corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 can overlap one another by at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, or the like. A maximum overlap between the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 can be in a range from about 1 mm to about 8 mm, in a range from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm. about 6 mm, or the like. Providing an overlap between the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308 can reduce the electric field strength at the interface between the corona shield 306 and the mounting bracket 308, mitigating arcing and electrical breakdown during operation of the x-ray tube assembly 304.

[0055] The mounting bracket 308 can be configured to mount the x-ray tube assembly 304 to a housing of an x-ray source or system. The mounting bracket 308 can further include at least one opening 358 (e.g., a threaded hole) on the bottom surface 313 of the mounting bracket 308 (e.g., a surface of the mounting bracket 308 opposite or distal the x-ray tube 312 and the corona shield 306). As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a cross-sectional view, the mounting bracket 308 can include two openings 358. It will be understood, the bottom surface 313 of the mounting bracket 308 can define any suitable number of openings 358. The openings 358 can be used to secure the mounting bracket 308 to the housing (e.g., the housing 102 of FIG. 1) of an x-ray source.154927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0056] The mounting bracket 308 can further define an opening or recess configured to receive an O-ring or other gasket. A gasket can be interposed between the mounting bracket 308 and the housing to seal the mounting bracket 308 to the housing. In one or all examples, sealing the recess 342 can prevent oil (e.g., dielectric oil) from leaking from the housing. By forming the mounting bracket 308 as a unitary' component, any leaks between components of the mounting bracket 308 are eliminated.

[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom-up view of an x-ray tube assembly 404. The x-ray tube assembly 404 can be the same as or similar to the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204, 304 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 3 and can be used in the x-ray source 100. The x-ray tube assembly 404 can include a mounting bracket 408, a corona shield 406. and an x-ray tube 412. The x-ray tube 412 can be coupled to the corona shield 406 and the corona shield 406 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 408.

[0058] The x-ray tube assembly 404 can include a first wire 422 and a second wire 424 removably coupled to the corona shield 406. When the x-ray tube 412 is coupled to the corona shield 406, the first wire 422 and the second wire 424 can be in electrical communication wdth the x-ray tube 412 to provide power (e.g., high voltage pow er) to the x-ray tube 412. The first wire 422 and the second wire 424 can be secured to the corona shield 406 rather than the x-ray¬ tube 412. which allows for the x-ray tube 412 to be coupled to and removed from the corona shield 406 without coupling or removing the first wire 422 and the second wire 424. This allow s for easier removal and replacement of the x-ray tube 412 from the corona shield 406.

[0059] The mounting bracket 408 can define a mount protrusion 407 that can extend outward from a main body portion of the mounting bracket 408. The main body portion of the mounting bracket 408 can be generally rounded, cylindrical, circular, or the like. The mount protrusion 407 can be configured to secure to the corona shield 406 to the mounting bracket 408. The mount protrusion 407 can define one or more openings 409 configured to receive fasteners 414, which can secure the corona shield 406 to the mounting bracket 408. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mount protrusion 407 can define tw o openings 409 configured to receive two fasteners 414. The corona shield 406 can include corresponding openings, which can be defined as threaded holes to receive the fasteners 414. In this way, the fasteners 414 can secure the corona shield 406 to the mounting bracket 408. As discussed in reference to the fasteners 214, the fasteners 414 can be formed from non-conductive or non-metallic materials to improve electric fields around the x-ray tube assembly 404, prevent electrical breakdown, and the like.164927-0208-7570UAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01

[0060] The mounting bracket 408 can define a recess 442 in the main body portion of the mounting bracket 408. The recess 442 can be recessed relative to a bottom surface 413 of the mounting bracket 408. The mounting bracket 408 can define an x-ray window 440 in the recess 442, which can be configured to allow x-rays generated by the x-ray tube 412 to pass through the x-ray window 440 and the recess 442. The mounting bracket 408 can further include a collimator 444 at least partially encircling the x-ray window 440. The collimator 444 can block the passage of x-rays and can further define an area and shape of x-rays that pass through the mounting bracket 408.

[0061] The mounting bracket 408 can be configured to mount the x-ray tube assembly 404 to a housing of an x-ray source or system. The mounting bracket 408 can include at least one opening 458 (e.g., threaded holes) in the bottom surface 413 of the mounting bracket 408 (e.g., a surface of the mounting bracket 408 opposite or distal the x-ray tube 412 and the corona shield 406). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the mounting bracket 408 can include four openings 458. It will be understood the mounting bracket 408 can define as many openings 458 as suitable. The openings 458 can be used to secure the mounting bracket 408 to the housing (e.g.. the housing 102 of FIG. 1) of an x-ray source. In one or all examples, the mounting bracket 408 can define at least one opening 458.

[0062] In one or all examples, the mounting bracket 408 can define a recess 460 around a periphery of the bottom surface 413 of the mounting bracket 408. The recess 460 can be configured to receive an O-ring 462 or another gasket. The O-ring 462 can seal the mounting bracket 408 to a housing of an x-ray source to prevent electrically insulating or dielectric oil from leaking from the housing, which can further protect the x-ray tube from electrical breakdown, such as arcing. Specifically, the O-ring 462 can be used to seal the recess 442. The mounting bracket 408 can define the recess 442 through which x-rays pass and the recess 442 can be sealed to the housing by a single O-ring, which reduces interfaces between the mounting bracket 408 and the housing, reduces areas for potential leaks to form, and helps to seal oil in a housing surrounding the x-ray tube assembly 404.

[0063] FIG. 5 illustrates a back-to-front cross-sectional view of an x-ray tube assembly 504. The cross-section illustrated in FIG. 5 can be taken along reference line B-B, illustrated in FIG. 4. along the B-B cutline as illustrated in FIG. 4. The x-ray tube assembly 504 can be the same as or similar to the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204, 304, 404 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 through 4 and can be used in the x-ray source 100. More specifically, components of the x-ray tube assembly 504 referred to by the same names as components of the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204, 304. 404 can be the same as or similar to the components 174927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 of the x-ray tube assemblies 104, 204, 304, 404. The x-ray tube assembly 504 can include an x-ray tube 512, a mounting bracket 508, and a corona shield 506. The x-ray tube 512 can be coupled to the corona shield 506 and the corona shield 506 can be coupled to the mounting bracket 508.

[0064] The x-ray tube assembly 504 can include a first wire 522 and a second wire 524 removably coupled to the corona shield 506. The first wire 522 can be disposed within a first opening 518 defined by the corona shield 506 and the second wire 524 can be disposed within a second opening 520 defined by the corona shield 506. When the x-ray tube 512 is coupled to the corona shield 506, the first wire 522 and the second wire 524 can be electrically coupled to the x-ray tube 512 to provide power (e.g, high voltage power) to the x-ray tube 512. The first wire 522 and the second wire 524 can be secured to the corona shield 506 rather than the x-ray tube 512, which allows for the x-ray tube 512 to be coupled to and removed from the corona shield 506 without coupling or removing the first wire 522 and the second wire 524. This allows for easier removal and replacement of the x-ray tube 512 from the corona shield 506.

[0065] The mounting bracket 508 can define a mount protrusion 507 that can extend outward from a main body portion of the mounting bracket 508. The mount protrusion 507 can be configured to secure the corona shield 506 to the mounting bracket 508. The mount protrusion 507 can define one or more openings 564 configured to receive fasteners 514, which can secure the corona shield 506 to the mounting bracket 508. The corona shield 506 can define one or more openings 566 configured to receive the fasteners 514. In one or all examples, the openings 566 and the fasteners 514 can be threaded such that the fasteners 514 can be threaded into the openings 566 to secure the corona shield 506 to the mounting bracket 508. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the mount protrusion 507 can define two openings 564 that two fasteners 514 can extend through and the fasteners 514 can be received by two openings 566 in the corona shield 506. In this way, the corona shield 506 can be secured to the mounting bracket 508. Any number of openings 564, openings 566, and fasteners 514 can be used to secure the corona shield 506 to the mounting bracket 508. Further, as discussed above in reference to the fasteners 214, 414, the fasteners 514 can be formed from non-conductive or non-metallic materials to improve electric fields around the x-ray tube assembly 504, prevent electrical breakdown, and the like.

[0066] The mounting bracket 508 can define mount recesses 552 and the corona shield 506 can define corona protrusions 554 that can extend at least partially into each of the respective mount recesses 552. The corona shield 506 can further define a corona recess between the corona protrusions 554 and the mounting bracket 508 can define a mount protrusion between 184927-0208-7570\lAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 the mount recesses 552, which can extend at least partially into the corona recess. The mount protrusion can contact surfaces of the corona shield 506 that define the corona recess. The mount recesses 552. the corona protrusions 554, the corona recess, and the mount protrusion can be defined by flat or planar surfaces, which can be used to define relative positions of the corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508. The corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508 can define an overlap based on the corona protrusions 554 extending into the mount recesses 552 and the mount protrusion extending into the corona recess. The corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508 can overlap one another by at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, or the like. A maximum overlap between the corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508 can be in a range from about 1 mm to about 8 mm, in a range from about 2 mm to about 6 mm, about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 5 mm, about 6 mm. or the like. Providing an overlap between the corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508 can reduce the electric field strength at the interface between the corona shield 506 and the mounting bracket 508, mitigating arcing and electrical breakdown during operation of the x-ray tube assembly 504. The corona protrusions 554 can be separated from surfaces of the mounting bracket 508 defining the mount recesses 552 by a gap or can be in contact with the surfaces of the mounting bracket 508.

[0067] In one or all examples, the x-ray tube 512 can be coupled to or mounted to the corona shield 506 by a single fastener 568. For example, the corona shield 506 can define a first opening 516 configured to receive the fastener 568. The fastener 568 can be any suitable fastener, such as a threaded fastener, a screw, a bolt, or the like. The x-ray tube 512 can include a threaded opening corresponding to the first opening 516 and the fastener 568. For example, the fastener 568 can be inserted into the first opening 516 and can be threaded into an anode 532 of the x-ray tube 512 to secure the x-ray tube 512 to the corona shield 506. The x-ray tube 512 can be removed from the corona shield 506 by removing the fastener 568, which allows for quick and easy mounting, removing, replacing, and service of the x-ray tube 512.

[0068] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.194927-0208-7570M

Claims

Attorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An x-ray tube assembly comprising:a corona shield;an x-ray tube removably secured to the corona shield; anda mounting base directly coupled to the corona shield, the mounting base defining an x-ray window.

2. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1. wherein:the corona shield defines a recess; andthe mounting base extends at least partially into the recess.

3. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1. wherein:the mounting base defines a recess; andthe corona shield extends at least partially into the recess.

4. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1. wherein:the mounting base defines a recess; andthe x-ray tube extends at least partially into the recess.

5. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1. wherein the mounting base comprises a non-conductive material.

6. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the corona shield comprises a conductive material.

7. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising a fastener configured to removably secure the mounting base to the corona shield, the fastener comprising a non-conductive material.

8. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the corona shield is configured to receive a wire configured to be electrically coupled to the x-ray tube.

9. A mounting assembly for an x-ray tube, the mounting assembly comprising:a mounting bracket; andan electric field shield in contact with and coupled to the mounting bracket, wherein the electric field shield comprises:204927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 a first opening configured to secure an x-ray tube to the electric field shield; and a second opening configured to receive a wire configured to be electrically coupled to the x-ray tube.

10. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled to the electric field shield by a fastener, the fastener comprising a non-metallic material.

11. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein the mounting bracket defines an x-ray window.

12. The mounting assembly of claim 11. wherein the mounting bracket further comprises a collimator at least partially encircling the x-ray window.

13. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein the electric field shield comprises a metallic material and the mounting bracket comprises a non-metallic material.

14. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein:the electric field shield defines a recess; andthe mounting bracket extends at least partially into the recess such that the electric field shield and the mounting bracket overlap.

15. The mounting assembly of claim 14, wherein the electric field shield and the mounting bracket overlap by at least 2 mm.

16. The mounting assembly of claim 9, wherein a planar surface of the electric field shield is in contact with a planar surface of the mounting bracket.

17. An x-ray tube assembly comprising:an x-ray tube;a mounting bracket; anda corona shield coupling the x-ray tube to the mounting bracket, the corona shield defining a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the mounting bracket between two portions of the corona shield.

18. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 17, wherein the two portions of the corona shield define two curved surfaces of the corona shield on opposite sides of the recess.214927-0208-7570MAttorney Docket No. P321029.W0.01Client Docket No. 2024-003-W01 19. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 18, wherein the recess is defined by a planar surface between the two curved surfaces of the corona shield.

20. The x-ray tube assembly of claim 17, wherein the x-ray tube is configured to emit x-rays through a housing of the x-ray tube and a window defined by the mounting bracket.224927-0208-7570M

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