Anode Head Aperture for X-ray Tube Secondary Electron Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray tubes face issues with secondary electrons generated during operation, leading to increased shielding requirements and reduced device lifespan due to non-directional X-ray radiation and static charging of adjacent components.
Innovation Solution
An anode head with a circular aperture made of high resistivity material, such as ceramic, is integrated into the primary electron beam path to capture secondary electrons, maintaining focal spot size and electric field geometry while preventing unwanted X-ray radiation and charge buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the first opening in the anode head is reduced in cross-section to capture secondary electrons, then shielding requirements and static charging are reduced, but the primary electron beam passage and focal spot geometry are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The anode head structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first opening for primary electron beam passage, a second opening for X-ray exit, and a circular aperture made of high resistivity material positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between secondary electron capture and primary beam integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A circular aperture made of high resistivity material (such as ceramic) is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second openings. This aperture has electron-absorbing properties that capture secondary electrons while being transparent to the primary electron beam and X-rays, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of electron capture and beam passage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the anode head is made of electrically conductive material for field formation, then electric field geometry is maintained, but secondary electrons escape and cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the anode head structure have different material properties: the anode head body is made of electrically conductive material (such as copper) for field formation, while the circular aperture is made of high resistivity material (such as ceramic) for electron absorption. This local differentiation of material properties allows each zone to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode head assembly uses a composite structure combining electrically conductive material (copper anode head) with high resistivity material (ceramic circular aperture). This composite approach allows the conductive portion to maintain electric field geometry while the resistive aperture portion captures secondary electrons, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Reliability
If increased shielding is added to protect against non-directional X-ray radiation, then component lifespan is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circular aperture made of high resistivity material converts the harmful secondary electrons into a beneficial effect by absorbing them before they can escape and cause damage. This absorption of secondary electrons prevents the generation of non-directional X-ray radiation, thereby reducing the need for additional shielding and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 solution reduces the need for external shielding, prolongs the device's lifespan by minimizing exposure to secondary radiation, and prevents static charging, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and reliability of X-ray generating devices.
Implementation Method 1
a circular aperture made of a material which absorbs secondary electrons is joined to or into the anode head
Implementation Method 2
The circular aperture reduces the cross-section of the opening in the anode head without affecting the geometry of the electrically conductive part of the anode head which is necessary to form the electric field in the area of the target
Implementation Method 3
the anode head 13 is usually made of copper, which has good electrical conductivity. The outlet opening 15 is designed so that the desired useful radiation is not shielded. Furthermore, the anode head 13 intercepts secondary electrons generated on the target
Data Source
AI summary
An anode head for an anode of an X-ray generating device is provided. The anode head is made of an X-ray attenuating material and has a first opening with a first diameter for a primary electron beam, wherein a circular aperture of a secondary electron absorbing material and having a second opening which is arranged concentrically to the first aperture and has a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter.