Compact X-ray Emitter Using Triboelectric Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray generation methods require high-powered electrical energy sources and bulky equipment, or involve moving parts that can lead to outgassing and debris in evacuated chambers, complicating device operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact x-ray emitter design with a housing maintaining low fluid pressure, featuring a tribocharging mechanism where a contacting material intermittently contacts an electrically insulating surface, generating a charge imbalance and directing electrons to a metal target within the housing for x-ray production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-powered electrical energy sources are used to accelerate electrons for x-ray generation, then x-ray production is achieved, but the equipment becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical electron acceleration system with a triboelectric charging system. Instead of using high-powered electrical sources to accelerate electrons, the invention uses friction-based tribocharging between the dielectric material and contacting material to generate the necessary electrical charge, thereby eliminating bulky power supplies and complex acceleration mechanisms while maintaining x-ray generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric material serves dual functions: it forms part of the housing structure and simultaneously acts as the charged surface for electron emission. The triboelectric charging mechanism uses the dielectric's own surface to generate charge through contact with the contacting material, eliminating the need for separate charging components and simplifying the overall device architecture
2Ease of operation
If moving parts are used in evacuated chambers for x-ray generation, then mechanical operation is achieved, but outgassing and debris production occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a triboelectric charging system that can operate with minimal or no moving components. The charging mechanism uses contact between the dielectric surface and contacting material, which can be implemented with simple rotational or reciprocating motion that does not require complex mechanical assemblies, thereby reducing outgassing and debris generation in the evacuated chamber
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of charge generation from complex mechanical systems and isolates it to a simple triboelectric interface between the dielectric material and contacting material. This separation allows the x-ray generation function to operate independently of complex mechanical moving parts, minimizing harmful effects in the evacuated chamber
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 enables efficient x-ray generation with a compact, low-maintenance design that minimizes outgassing and debris issues, using a tribocharging mechanism to produce x-rays without the need for high-powered electrical sources and moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
A contacting material, preferably higher in a triboelectric series, is in changing contact with the exterior covering, with the changing contact preferably being intermittent contact as well. In operation contact, removal of contact between the contacting material and the dielectric generates a negative electrical charge on the portion of the second wall
Implementation Method 2
X-rays are generally generated by electron braking (bremmstrahlung) or inner shell electron emission within a material. Historically, other than through natural phenomena, x-rays generally have been generated by accelerating electrons into a material, such as a metal, with a small proportion of the electrons causing x-rays through bremmstrahlung
Implementation Method 3
A filament, preferably heatable and preferably metallic, is within the housing, for example proximate the second wall. Electrons associated with the negative charge, and/or electrons provided by the filament may travel to and impact the metal
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray transmitter, which may be compact, may be in the form of a housing with an x-ray transparent window sputtered with a metal on one wall, and tribocharging electron source on another wall.