Arrayed X-ray Source Modular Design for Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributed X-ray sources face challenges in maintenance and equipment costs due to the large number of cathodes, anodes, and control grids required for improved imaging quality, as these devices are difficult to replace and maintain when failures occur within the same vacuum chamber.
Innovation Solution
An arrayed X-ray source design featuring independently operating X-ray generators arranged in an array within a housing, with each generator having an anode target, X-ray extraction window, and control grid, allowing for individual operation and easy replacement, and optionally immersed in insulating oil for high-voltage insulation and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dozens or hundreds of X-ray sources are arranged in the same vacuum chamber to improve imaging quality, then imaging quality is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases and replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the X-ray source system into multiple independent modular units, each containing its own cathode, anode, and control grid. These modular units are arranged in an array but can be independently accessed and replaced. This segmentation allows maintenance of individual units without affecting the entire system, resolving the contradiction between having multiple sources for quality and ease of maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If a large number of cathodes, anodes, and control grids are installed in the same vacuum chamber to enable multiple X-ray sources, then imaging quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each X-ray source is packaged as a complete modular unit containing cathode, anode, and control grid. This segmentation reduces device complexity by standardizing sub-assemblies and allowing independent replacement, while still achieving the desired imaging quality through the array of multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal units that can be used in various configurations and positions within the array. Each module serves multiple functions (electron emission, acceleration, X-ray generation) in a standardized package, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining imaging quality.
3Productivity
If multiple X-ray sources are arranged in an array to enable rapid scanning, then productivity improves, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple segmented modular units arranged in an array, enabling rapid scanning by activating different segments in sequence. While this increases the number of components, the modular design allows for standardized, compact units that minimize space and complexity requirements.
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
Facilitates rapid scanning, reduces maintenance difficulties, and lowers equipment costs by allowing individual replacement of faulty X-ray generators, while maintaining high imaging quality through independent operation and efficient heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode produces an electron beam current, which is accelerated by a high voltage electric field between the cathode and the anode and impacts an anode target point to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
impacts an anode target point to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 3
A voltage of a control grid is used to control emission of electrons, thereby controlling each cathode to emit electrons in sequence
Data Source
AI summary
An arrayed X-ray source and an X-ray imaging apparatus are described. An example X-ray source includes a housing and X-ray generators located in the housing. The X-ray generators are arranged in an array. The X-ray generators are provided separately from each other and configured to emit X-rays independently of each other.