Dynamic Radiation Control via Conductive Gate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation systems face challenges in efficiently inhibiting radiation emission during calibration procedures and when no objects are being examined, as mechanical shutters are slow and voltage reduction can harm power supplies.
Innovation Solution
A radiation system with an electrically conductive gate between the cathode and anode, which can be biased to inhibit electron flow and radiation generation, allowing for dynamic control of radiation emission without altering the accelerating voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical shutter is used to inhibit radiation emission, then radiation can be blocked effectively, but the shutter is slow to open/close and fails under rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic gate control system. Instead of using physical fins that rotate mechanically to block radiation, the invention applies electrical gates to control the electron flow in the x-ray source. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and failure while enabling faster response times for starting and stopping radiation emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position (shutter fin angle) to electrical parameter (gate voltage). By applying different gate voltages, the system can rapidly modulate electron flow and thus radiation emission without any mechanical movement. This parameter change enables both high reliability and fast response speed.
2Reliability
If the accelerating voltage is reduced to inhibit radiation emission, then radiation can be stopped, but large voltage swings are harmful to the power supply and other electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage control function into two independent parts: the accelerating voltage (which remains constant to protect power supply components) and the gate voltage (which controls electron flow). This segmentation allows radiation emission to be controlled by the gate voltage without requiring large swings in the accelerating voltage, thereby preventing damage to electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the electrical gate as an intermediary between the power supply and the electron flow. Instead of directly controlling radiation by varying the accelerating voltage, the gate voltage acts as an intermediary that modulates electron emission from the cathode. This intermediary approach enables radiation control while maintaining stable operating voltages that protect electrical components.
3Reliability
If mechanical fins are used to shield the focal spot, then radiation emission can be inhibited, but the fins are slow to open/close and fail under rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating mechanical fin system with a stationary electrical gate system. The gate structure remains fixed in position while controlling radiation through electrical fields rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates wear from rotation and extends the operational lifespan of the shielding mechanism.
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
Enables efficient inhibition of radiation emission during calibration and when no objects are being examined, reducing wear on power supplies and improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The gate is configured to mitigate a flow of electrons between the cathode and the anode when a bias is applied to the gate
Implementation Method 2
a gate voltage applied to the gate is different than a cathode voltage applied to the cathode, to inhibit the generation of radiation
Implementation Method 3
The radiation source is configured to accelerate electrons between the cathode and the anode to generate radiation
Implementation Method 4
radiation comprising photons (e.g., such as x-ray photons, gamma ray photons, etc.) to measure attenuation by the object
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for selectively inhibiting radiation from being generated by a radiation source are provided. A radiation source comprises an electrically conductive gate situated between a cathode and an anode. When a voltage potential is created between the gate and the cathode, a flow of electrons between the cathode and the anode is mitigated, thus inhibiting radiation from being generated by the radiation source. When the voltage potential is removed or lessened, electrons may more freely flow between the cathode and the anode to generate radiation. In some embodiments, a calibration, such as a dark calibration, may be performed while the gate mitigates the flow of electrons. Moreover, in some embodiments, an accelerating voltage applied to the radiation source may be held substantially constant when radiation is generated as well as when radiation generation is inhibited.