Carbon Composite X-ray Window Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray window support structures face challenges in being strong enough to withstand pressure differentials while minimizing x-ray attenuation and maintaining a small size, as traditional materials may interfere with x-ray passage and are not optimized for strength and thinness.
Innovation Solution
A carbon composite support structure with ribs made from carbon fibers embedded in a matrix, where the carbon fibers are directionally aligned with the ribs, and the structure includes openings between the ribs to allow for x-ray transmission, is used. This structure is formed by pressing carbon composite sheets between non-stick surfaces and heating them to cure, then laser-cutting to create the rib pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional materials are used for support structures, then strength is sufficient, but x-ray attenuation increases and size cannot be minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite material, combining carbon fibers for strength with polymer matrix for lightweight properties. This composite material provides sufficient mechanical strength to support the thin film while being thin enough to minimize x-ray attenuation, resolving the contradiction between strength and x-ray transparency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If support structure size is reduced, then x-ray attenuation decreases, but strength becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the support structure to be made thinner (reducing x-ray attenuation) while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength through the reinforcing carbon fibers within the polymer matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure features ribs with varying thicknesses and densities in different locations, with carbon fibers strategically oriented to provide localized strength where needed while maintaining overall thinness for x-ray transmission.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rib thickness is decreased, then x-ray passage is improved, but structural strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ribs are constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite, allowing them to be made very thin (improving x-ray passage) while the embedded carbon fibers provide the necessary structural strength that would otherwise require much thicker material.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib dimensions are optimized to specific thin measurements (e.g., thicknesses in the range of micrometers to low millimeters) while maintaining adequate strength through the composite material properties and strategic rib placement rather than increased thickness.
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
The carbon composite support structure provides enhanced strength to withstand pressure differentials, minimizes x-ray attenuation, and allows for a thinner design, effectively supporting x-ray films without interfering with x-ray passage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ribs (11) comprising a carbon composite material
Implementation Method 2
heating the sheet(s) to at least 50 °C to cure the sheet(s) into a carbon composite wafer
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of openings is laser cut in the wafer, forming ribs
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A support structure (10) for x-ray windows including carbon composite ribs (11), comprising carbon fibers in a matrix. The support structure can comprise a support frame (12) defining a perimeter (P) and an aperture (15), a plurality of ribs comprising a carbon composite material extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings (14) between the plurality of ribs. A film (13) can be disposed over, carried by, and span the plurality of ribs and disposed over and span the openings.