Dual-Energy Anode Target Layout for Stationary CT Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current CT devices have limitations in inspection speed, reliability, and imaging quality due to the mechanical movement of the X-ray source, which restricts the ability to produce high-definition three-dimensional images, especially for moving objects, and can only output a single energy level of X-ray beams, failing to meet diverse usage requirements.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a dual-energy distributed X-ray source system using a ceramic-isolated anode target with two voltage-bearing areas, allowing electron beams to generate X-rays of different energy levels, and a staggered arrangement of cathodes and anode targets to improve imaging quality and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the X-ray source moves on a slip ring at high speed to improve inspection speed, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mechanical movement limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating X-ray source system with a stationary distributed X-ray source system. Multiple X-ray tubes are arranged in an array and controlled electronically through a gate, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation on a slip ring. This substitution of mechanical movement with electronic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining high inspection speed through rapid electronic switching while improving reliability by removing mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the X-ray source moves on a slip ring, then a single energy level is produced, but adaptability deteriorates as only stationary objects can be inspected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the X-ray source into multiple independent X-ray tubes arranged in an array, with each tube capable of being independently controlled by a gate. This segmentation allows different tubes to operate at different energy levels simultaneously, providing dual-energy or multi-energy imaging capability. The segmented structure enables inspection of both stationary and moving objects without increasing overall system complexity, as each segment can be independently optimized for specific imaging requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If a distributed X-ray source with multiple cathodes is used to improve imaging quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging definitionVSAvoidcathode arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple cathodes and multiple anode targets into a single integrated array structure. The cathodes are arranged in an array with corresponding anode targets, and a gate controls the electron emission from all cathodes simultaneously or selectively. This merging approach maintains high imaging precision through the distributed source geometry while simplifying the control system compared to managing completely independent cathode assemblies, as the gate provides unified control for the entire array.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 imaging quality by providing dual-energy distributed ray imaging data, improving the inspection speed and reliability of CT devices, enabling the creation of high-definition three-dimensional images and accommodating various usage requirements.

Implementation Method 1

electron beams emitted from cathodes to generate first rays on target spots of the first anode target; a second anode target, configured to cause, by a second voltage bearing thereon, the electron beams emitted from the cathodes to generate second rays on target spots of the second anode target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron beam bombardment: Electron Impact Desorption

Data Source

PatentEP3686914B1Anode target, ray light source, computed tomography scanning device, and imaging method
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3686914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3686914B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3686914B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present application relates to the technical filed of radiation treatment. Disclosed are an anode target, a ray light source, a computed tomography scanning device, and an imaging method. The anode target comprises: a plurality of target structures, used for receiving an electron beam emitted by a cathode to generate a ray, the plurality of target spots being of three-dimensional structures having bevels; a copper cooling body, used for bearing the target spots and comprising an oxygen-free copper cooling body; a cooling oil tube, used for cooling the anode target; and a shielding layer, used for achieving a shielding effect and comprising a tungsten shielding layer. The anode target, the ray light source, the computed tomography scanning device, and the imaging method in the present application are able to enable all target spots on the anode target to be evenly distributed on a straight line, imaging quality of a ray system is improved, and complexity of an imaging system is reduced.