Curved Surface X-Ray Array Eliminates Slip Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT devices face limitations in reliability, stabilization, and inspection speed due to the use of slip rings, and existing x-ray source technologies are complex, costly, or suffer from poor imaging quality and short lifespans.

Innovation Solution

A curved surface array distributed x-ray apparatus with multiple electron transmitting units arranged on a curved surface, an anode, and a vacuum box, utilizing thermionic cathodes for efficient x-ray generation and cooling to maintain stability, allowing for multiple visual angles without moving the light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If slip ring is used to move x-ray source and detector, then inspection speed can be increased, but reliability and stabilization decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the x-ray source into multiple independent visual angle units (first visual angle unit, second visual angle unit, etc.), each capable of generating x-rays at different angles. This segmentation eliminates the need for mechanical movement via slip ring, thereby maintaining high inspection speed while improving system reliability and stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If rotating target x-ray source is used, then anode target overheat can be reduced, but structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanode target temperatureVSAvoidx-ray source structure
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating a single target, the patent segments the target into multiple fixed target spots corresponding to different visual angles. Each spot is independently bombardable by electron beams, distributing heat load across multiple locations without requiring mechanical rotation, thus simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of electron beam transmission to switch between different visual angle units. By controlling which electron transmitting units are active at different times, the system dynamically directs electron beams to different target spots, achieving heat distribution without mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dependent conventional x-ray sources are arranged closely, then multiple visual angles can be realized, but cost increases and imaging quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple visual anglesVSAvoidimaging quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments a single x-ray source into multiple visual angle units within one vacuum chamber, each unit having its own electron transmitting units and target spots. This approach achieves multiple visual angles without using multiple separate x-ray sources, thereby reducing cost and improving imaging quality through closer spacing of target spots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple visual angle generation capabilities into a single integrated x-ray source structure. All visual angle units share common components such as the vacuum chamber, high voltage power supply, and cooling system, while maintaining independent control of electron transmission to achieve cost-effective multi-angle imaging with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If carbon nano tubes are used as cold cathodes, then distributed x-ray generation is achieved, but transmitting capability and lifetime decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributed x-ray generationVSAvoidcathode lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the cathode material parameter from carbon nano tubes to heated cathodes (thermionic emission cathodes). This parameter change significantly improves transmitting capability and lifetime while still achieving distributed x-ray generation across multiple visual angle units through controlled electron emission and transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the stability and reliability of the system, increases inspection efficiency, and extends the service life of the x-ray source while maintaining high imaging quality by generating distributed x-rays with adjustable focus positions.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing thermionic cathodes for efficient x-ray generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 2

anode pipe having a hollow pipe shape, and a cooling connection means connected to both ends of the anode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

cooling connection means connected to both ends of the anode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2851929B1A X-Ray apparatus and a CT device having the same
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2851929B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2851929B1 patent drawingFigure 3(1)~4
  • EP2851929B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present application provides a curved surface array distributed x-ray apparatus, characterized in that, it comprises: a vacuum box which is sealed at its periphery, and the interior thereof is high vacuum; a plurality of electron transmitting units (1) arranged on the wall of the vacuum box in multiple rows along the direction of the axis of the curved surface in the curved surface facing the axis; an anode (2) made of metal and arranged in the axis in the vacuum box which comprises an anode pipe and an anode target surface; a power supply and control system having a high voltage power supply connected to the anode, a filament power supply connected to each of the plurality of the electron transmitting units, a grid-controlled apparatus connected to each of the plurality of electron transmitting units, a control system for controlling each power supply.