Adjustable High-Voltage Generator for X-Ray Apparatus

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high-voltage generators for x-ray apparatuses face performance issues due to natural variations in components and imperfect drive circuitry, leading to electrical stresses and reduced efficiency, necessitating configurations that achieve optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a high-voltage generator with an adjustable drive transformer, where the symmetry of the transformer is adjustable by making the input and output coils axially movable, and the use of a full-wave Cockroft-Walton voltage multiplier with a centre tap configuration to optimize symmetry and reduce voltage ripple.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional voltage multipliers are used with fixed components, then the structure is simple, but natural variations in component properties and imperfect drive circuitry lead to electrical stresses and reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveperformanceVSAvoidconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the transformer coils axially movable relative to each other. This allows the symmetry of the transformer to be adjusted dynamically, enabling the system to compensate for component variations and achieve optimal performance. The adjustable configuration lets users optimize the voltage multiplier's symmetry to minimize electrical stresses and reduce output ripple, directly addressing the reliability issue without requiring a completely new fixed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the transformer coils are fixed in position, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the symmetry cannot be optimized to reduce output ripple

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesymmetryVSAvoidassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements adjustability by allowing the input and output coils to move axially relative to each other. This dynamic feature enables post-assembly optimization of transformer symmetry, allowing users to fine-tune the configuration to minimize output ripple. The mechanism typically involves adjustable mounting positions or movable coil structures that can be positioned to achieve optimal symmetry after assembly, bridging the gap between manufacturing constraints and performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration improves the overall symmetry and efficiency of the high-voltage generator, reducing output ripple magnitude and enhancing the quality of the electron beam for x-ray generation.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer having an input coil and an output coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a voltage multiplier having a reference input, an amplified output and a ripple output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3199000B1High voltage generator
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 NIKON METROLOGY
  • EP3199000B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3199000B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3199000B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Disclosed is a high-voltage generator for an x-ray apparatus. The generator comprises a voltage multiplier having a high-voltage output terminal and first and second alternating-current input terminals, an output transformer coil (12) having first and second output terminals respectively electrically connected to the first and second input terminals of the voltage multiplier, and an input transformer coil (11) having first and second input terminals and being arranged coaxially with and inductively coupled to the output transformer coil. The input and output transformer coils are relatively axially movable. Disclosed is also an x-ray apparatus using the high-voltage generator, a method of configuring a high-voltage generator and a method of configuring a high-voltage apparatus.