Central Anode Cooling Structure for Stable X-Ray Focal Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray sources face issues with deformation and thermal expansion due to coolant supply from one end, leading to focal spot shifts and increased failure rates from high voltage instability and arcing.
Innovation Solution
The anode is supported and cooled through a central anode support structure that provides both structural support and coolant passages, reducing thermal deformation and high voltage instability by distributing coolant uniformly and eliminating the need for end-mounted high voltage standoffs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant is supplied from one end of the anode, then the anode can be cooled, but thermal deformation occurs and focal spot shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent cooling channels distributed along the anode length. Instead of a single end-mounted coolant supply, the patent implements multiple cooling passages that distribute coolant uniformly across the anode, preventing localized thermal gradients that cause deformation and focal spot shifts.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional approach of supplying coolant from one end is inverted by distributing coolant supplies along the entire anode length. This reversal of the cooling strategy ensures uniform heat removal across all target regions, eliminating the thermal deformation and focal spot position instability caused by asymmetric cooling.
2Strength
If end-mounted high voltage standoffs are used to support the anode, then the anode is supported, but high voltage instability and arcing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic end-mounted high voltage standoffs are completely removed from the design. The patent replaces this support method with a central anode support structure that provides mechanical support without the high voltage instability and arcing issues associated with end-mounted standoffs.
Solution Approach 2:
A central anode support structure serves as an intermediary element that provides mechanical support to the anode while avoiding the high voltage problems of end-mounted standoffs. This central support configuration acts as a mediator between the anode and the vacuum enclosure, providing stable support without compromising high voltage reliability.
3Strength
If multiple support structures and coolant supply structures are mounted on anode ends, then the anode is supported and cooled, but the x-ray source length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support and cooling functions are merged into a single central anode support structure. Instead of having separate end-mounted support structures and coolant supply structures that extend the x-ray source length, the patent combines these functions centrally, reducing the overall source length while maintaining support and cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The central anode support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support to the anode, serves as a coolant distribution hub, and eliminates the need for separate end-mounted structures. This multi-functional design reduces the x-ray source length by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 minimizes deformation, reduces system length, decreases failure rates, and simplifies manufacturing by ensuring uniform cooling and reducing arcing, thereby enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the x-ray source.
Implementation Method 1
The anode may be cooled by a coolant, such as water or dielectric oil, that is supplied at one of the ends of the anode
Implementation Method 2
The anode may be cooled by a coolant, such as water or dielectric oil, that is supplied at one of the ends of the anode
Implementation Method 3
The incident electron beams generate heat in the anode
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A system, comprising: a vacuum enclosure; an anode support structure penetrating the vacuum enclosure and including a plurality of first cooling passages; and an anode disposed within the vacuum enclosure, coupled to and supported by the anode support structure, and including: a target; and a plurality of second cooling passages; wherein: each of the second cooling passages is coupled to a corresponding first cooling passage; and the anode is coupled to the anode support structure on a side of the anode different from a side of the anode including the target and different from axial ends of the anode on a major axis of the anode