Cold Cathode Handheld X-ray Generator Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld X-ray devices with hot-electron cathodes require cooling after each shot, limiting continuous operation and affecting X-ray photo quality, while also posing challenges in operator alignment due to design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A cold cathode type handheld X-ray device with a tungsten filament in a glass ball-tube, encapsulated in insulating gel and a lead shell, featuring a voltage boosting module that outputs high voltage for continuous operation without cooling, and an ergonomic design for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a hot-electron type cathode is used in a handheld X-ray device, then the device can generate X-rays, but the device requires cooling after each shot and cannot operate continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the cathode from hot-electron (thermionic emission) to cold cathode (field emission) type. This parameter change enables continuous operation without cooling periods, as the cold cathode generates electrons through quantum tunneling in a strong electric field rather than thermal emission, eliminating the need for cooling after each shot
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lead disk shield is placed at the front end of the gun barrel, then radiation shielding is provided, but the operator's accuracy alignment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shielding function from the alignment function by removing the solid lead disk that blocked the view. The shielding is redistributed to the sides and rear of the device, while the front end becomes transparent for alignment. This segmentation allows the operator to see through the device for accurate positioning while radiation protection is maintained through alternative shielding arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collimator structure that replaces the solid lead disk. This collimator provides radiation shielding through its structural design while allowing optical transparency for alignment. The intermediary structure mediates between the conflicting requirements of radiation protection and visual alignment by using a different physical approach to achieve both functions
3Power
If a thermionic cathode neon tube is used in an X-ray generation device, then X-rays can be generated, but around 99% of electricity is transformed to heat requiring cooling water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electron emission mechanism from thermionic (heat-based) to field emission (electric field-based). This parameter change fundamentally alters the energy conversion pathway, allowing direct conversion of electrical energy to electron beams with minimal heat generation. The cold cathode operates at room temperature, eliminating the 99% heat loss characteristic of thermionic cathodes
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
Enables continuous X-ray emission with improved photo quality and reduced dosage, allowing for efficient and precise irradiation without the need for cooling, while preventing X-ray leakage and maintaining vacuum integrity.
Implementation Method 1
An x-ray generation device with a cold cathode generating field emission electrons is known according to a quantum theory of field electron emission
Implementation Method 2
The glass ball-tube is a cold cathode type X-ray generator with a tungsten filament at a periphery of a cold cathode
Implementation Method 3
The glass ball-tube and the voltage boosting module are encapsulated by an insulating gel and wrapped by a lead shell except an X ray window
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld X ray device comprises a camera-like X ray generator body having a zoom ring-like object at a front side of the X ray generator body as an exit of X rays and has a collimator section atop a surface of the zoom ring-like object. The camera-like X ray generator body inside has a voltage boosting circuit, an oscillator circuit, a battery, and a control circuit, and a user interface at a real panel of the camera-like X ray generator body. The glass ball-tube is a cold cathode type X-ray generator with a tungsten filament at a periphery of a cold cathode. The voltage boosting circuit, the oscillator circuit, boosting the voltage of the battery up to a predetermined high voltage under controlled of the control circuit assisting by the user interface.