Cylindrical Anode X-ray Tube for High Power Irradiation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray tubes with transmission type anodes are limited in power and efficiency, failing to effectively convert electrons into X-rays that penetrate and exit the anode, resulting in inadequate radiation output.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray tube design featuring an elongated filament and a cylindrically shaped anode with a high Z material coating, where electrons are emitted in a 360-degree circle to generate X-rays that penetrate and exit the anode, providing a linear source of high-energy X-rays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transmission type anode is used, then X-rays can penetrate the anode and exit the opposite side, but the power and efficiency are limited and inadequate radiation output is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar anode to a cylindrical anode geometry. This dimensional change allows electrons to bombard the interior surface of the cylinder from all directions, creating X-rays that penetrate through the cylindrical wall and exit radially outward. This geometric transformation multiplies the effective target area and radiation output while maintaining the transmission type configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical curvature of the anode provides optimal electron bombardment geometry. Electrons emitted from a linear filament can effectively strike the curved interior surface, and the cylindrical shape ensures uniform X-ray penetration and emission. This curved geometry improves electron utilization efficiency compared to flat anodes while maintaining structural integrity under high power conditions.
2Productivity
If an elongated filament and cylindrical anode are used, then X-ray irradiation increases by a factor of ten, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical anode structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electron target, provides structural containment for the vacuum, facilitates heat dissipation through its surface area, and enables radial X-ray emission in multiple directions. The linear filament similarly provides both electron emission and defines the longitudinal axis of the radiation field, reducing the need for additional positioning components.
3Power
If high Z material is used for the anode coating, then electron to X-ray conversion efficiency improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode employs a composite structure with a high Z material coating applied to a substrate. This composite construction combines the high X-ray generation efficiency of high Z materials (such as tungsten or gold) with the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity of the base material. The coating can be applied through standard vacuum deposition or electroplating processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior conversion efficiency.
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 design significantly increases X-ray irradiation by a factor of ten, achieving a 3500 R/min output to a larger target area compared to prior art, while maintaining a vacuum and using liquid coolant for stability.
Implementation Method 1
An elongated and perforated anode 23, in the form of a cylinder... A tungsten filament 29 is mounted on cathode support 30
Implementation Method 2
The material of the anode and the energy of the electrons are selected to provide an anode wherein a majority of the electrons impinging on the interior surface of the anode are converted to X-rays
Implementation Method 3
The material of the anode and the energy of the electrons are selected to provide an anode wherein a majority of the electrons impinging on the interior surface of the anode are converted to X-rays
Implementation Method 4
A liquid coolant is provided to the tube 11 through a jacket 14 between cylinder 28 and housing 12
Implementation Method 5
A liquid coolant is provided to the tube 11 through a jacket 14 between cylinder 28 and housing 12
Data Source
AI summary
A linear source of x-rays is disclosed wherein an elongated filament, mounted within a cylindrically formed anode, provides electrons around the filament, and along the length of said filament. The anode that comprises a high Z material such as gold, receives the electrons and emits X-rays in a 360 degree arc and along a substantial length of the anode. In one embodiment the tube is used for irradiation purposes.