Dual-Beveled Anode X-Ray Source for Wide Axial Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computed tomography (CT) systems face challenges in achieving uniform x-ray intensity over increased axial extents and withstanding mechanical stresses from faster gantry rotation speeds, leading to image artifacts for larger axial coverage when using a single x-ray source.
Innovation Solution
A dual-beveled annulus x-ray source with independently controlled focal spots and a high-load capacity straddle-type bearing support, allowing for optimized x-ray beam generation and mechanical stability during high-speed rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple x-ray source locations are provided along the rotation axis to increase axial coverage, then the axial coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple independent focal spots arranged along the rotation axis, with each focal spot generating x-rays for a specific axial region. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide axial coverage through a single rotating anode rather than multiple separate x-ray sources, thereby improving axial coverage while avoiding the complexity of multiple complete x-ray tube assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single focal spot in one location to multiple focal spots distributed along the axial dimension. By arranging focal spots in the axial direction and utilizing the rotation of the anode, the system achieves wide axial coverage through spatial distribution in another dimension rather than adding multiple complete source assemblies
2Productivity
If the gantry rotation speed is increased to improve scanning efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the mechanical stress on the x-ray tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is designed to rotate at high speeds synchronized with the gantry rotation, dynamically distributing the x-ray generation across multiple focal spots. This dynamic rotation allows the system to maintain high scanning speeds while managing mechanical stresses through controlled rotational motion rather than static high-load bearing structures
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple focal spots are pre-positioned on the rotating anode before the scan begins. This preliminary arrangement of focal spots allows the system to immediately achieve wide axial coverage at high rotation speeds without requiring complex real-time adjustments or high-load mechanical structures to accommodate speed changes
3Device complexity
If a single x-ray source is used to maintain simple device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but image artifacts increase for larger axial coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The single x-ray source is segmented into multiple independent focal spots on the rotating anode, with each focal spot targeting a specific axial region. This segmentation eliminates image artifacts in large axial coverage areas while maintaining the simplicity of a single x-ray tube structure, as the multiple focal spots are integrated into one rotating component rather than requiring multiple separate sources
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating anode periodically brings different focal spots into position to generate x-rays for different axial regions. This periodic rotation allows a single x-ray source to effectively cover large axial extents without artifacts, achieving the benefits of multiple sources while maintaining the structural simplicity of one integrated tube
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
The solution provides uniform x-ray intensity over larger axial areas and enhances mechanical integrity to handle rapid gantry rotation, reducing image artifacts and improving scanning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first emissive cathode configured to project a first cathode emission onto a first x-ray generating material deposited on the first beveled annulus and thereby produce a first x-ray cone beam emission
Implementation Method 2
an anode disk with a first beveled annulus and a second beveled annulus at a periphery of the anode disk
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray source is disclosed comprising: an anode disk with first and second beveled annuli at a periphery of the anode disk, the anode disk rotatably coupled to a housing structure via a support shaft; first and second cathodes mounted to a yoke support structure, the yoke support structure configured to direct cathode emissions at x-ray generating material disposed on the beveled annuli; and a high-voltage insulator configured to electrically insulate the yoke support structure from the housing structure.