Eccentric X-ray Exit Window for Oblique Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray tubes face challenges in increasing the magnification ratio of enlarged perspective images for miniaturized electronic circuit boards, particularly when imaging solder balls from oblique angles, as this requires larger X-ray exit windows, leading to excessive X-ray leakage and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray tube design features an X-ray exit window eccentric to the tube axis, allowing oblique irradiation without increasing the exit window size, which reduces X-ray leakage and enables higher magnification ratios while maintaining efficient X-ray transmission and reducing contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the diameter of the X-ray exit window is increased to increase the irradiation angle for oblique imaging, then the magnification ratio of enlarged perspective images is improved, but excessive X-rays leak from the X-ray tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnification ratioVSAvoidX-ray leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the X-ray exit window eccentrically relative to the tube axis, creating an asymmetric configuration that enables oblique irradiation at high magnification ratios without requiring an increased window diameter, thus preventing excessive X-ray leakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes dimensional change by moving the X-ray exit window from a central position on the tube axis to an eccentric position in the radial direction, enabling oblique irradiation geometry that achieves high magnification ratios without increasing the window size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the diameter of the X-ray exit window is increased to enable oblique irradiation, then the irradiation angle is improved, but equipment to prevent leakage of unnecessary X-rays becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation angleVSAvoidleakage prevention equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric positioning of the X-ray exit window relative to the tube axis enables oblique irradiation with adequate irradiation angles while maintaining a compact window size, eliminating the need for additional leakage prevention equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the positional dimension of the X-ray exit window from central to eccentric, the patent achieves versatile oblique irradiation capabilities without requiring additional shielding or leakage prevention components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the magnification ratio of enlarged perspective images while preventing unnecessary X-ray leakage, improving image clarity and reducing manufacturing costs by optimizing the X-ray exit window size and position.

Implementation Method 1

X-rays are generated by making electrons emitted from an electron gun incident into a target of the anode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The X-rays are transmitted through an X-ray exit window provided on a tube axis of the tubular member housing the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP1933360B1X-ray tube and nondestructive inspection equipment
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP1933360B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1933360B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1933360B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an X-ray tube 1A that makes electrons emitted from an electron gun 17 into a target 9 of an anode 8 arranged in a tubular vacuum enclosure body 6, and extracts the X-rays through an X-ray exit window 18, the anode 8 is arranged on a tube axis C1 -of the vacuum enclosure body 6, and in a sealing portion 5g provided at an end portion of the vacuum enclosure body 6, provided is the X-ray exit window 18 eccentric with respect to the tube axis C1 of the vacuum enclosure body 6.