Electron Beam Tomography Multi-Target Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electron beam tomography systems face limitations in capturing rapid changes across multiple axial sections simultaneously due to mechanical movement constraints and sequential scanning, leading to information loss, especially in dynamic processes like multiphase flows.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement features multiple specially shaped targets and X-ray detector arcs, allowing for quasi-simultaneous recording of two-dimensional sectional images across multiple transmission planes with high temporal and spatial resolution by deflecting the electron beam to generate X-rays across multiple targets and detecting them with multiple arcs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single X-ray detector arc is used with sequential electron beam scanning over different target segments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temporal resolution deteriorates because images in different axial planes are recorded one after another instead of simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector arrangementVSAvoidtemporal resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The target is divided into multiple axially separated target segments, each corresponding to a different transmission plane. The electron beam is sequentially directed to different target segments to generate X-rays for imaging multiple planes simultaneously, thereby maintaining temporal resolution while using a single detector arc.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the axial dimension by arranging target segments along the beam axis at different positions. This allows the electron beam to access multiple focal spots in three-dimensional space, enabling simultaneous imaging of multiple transmission planes without requiring multiple detector arcs.

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

2Productivity

If the electron beam is rapidly deflected to achieve high frame rates, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to the inability to capture material distribution in different transmission planes simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rateVSAvoidmaterial distribution accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The target is segmented into multiple axially separated sections, allowing the rapidly deflecting electron beam to generate X-rays for different transmission planes in quick succession. This maintains the high frame rate capability while capturing material distribution across multiple planes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The target segments are pre-positioned at specific axial locations corresponding to different transmission planes. This allows the electron beam to rapidly switch between predefined focal spots, maintaining high temporal resolution while accurately capturing material distribution in each plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple target segments are used for multi-plane imaging, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and alignment of multiple targets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-plane imaging capabilityVSAvoidtarget arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple target segments are merged into a single integrated target structure with axially separated focal spots. This combining approach provides multi-plane imaging capability while avoiding the complexity of positioning and aligning multiple separate targets, as all segments are part of one unified target assembly.

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 configuration enables simultaneous imaging of dynamic processes with high frame rates and spatial resolution, effectively capturing material distribution across multiple planes without sequential scanning, suitable for applications like multiphase flow analysis.

Implementation Method 1

An electron beam guided in a vacuum chamber is guided over a partially circular metal target by means of an electromagnetic deflection system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic deflection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

with which a rapidly moving X-ray focal spot is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

A circular or partially circular X-ray detector arc arranged with a slight axial offset to the target detects the X-ray radiation penetrating the examination object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 4

The particular advantage of electron beam tomography lies in the high frame rate that can be achieved, which is given by the rapid deflectability of the inertia-free electron beam with the help of alternating magnetic fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic fields: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2238908B1Electron beam tomography arrangement
Publication Date: 2011.08.24 HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM DRESDEN ROSSENDORF
  • EP2238908B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The configuration has a forward-most target of targets (5) arranged with a small angular offset with respect to an optical axis (10) to a respective target situated in front. An electron beam (4) circulates along a shell of an electron beam cone (11) to successively irradiate material webs between openings (14) of all targets. An X-ray detector arc (6) for each target is arranged in coplanar fashion in a radial direction in front of or behind the respective target.