Embedded Voltage Multiplier Layout for Compact X-Ray Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high voltage power supplies for x-ray sources are not compact enough and often suffer from arcing failures due to the size and layout of electronic components, which can affect the reliability and efficiency of the voltage biasing system.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage power supply design featuring multiple stages of electronic components configured in a compact stack with alternating input and output directions, where components are directly soldered to circuit boards and sandwiched between them to reduce noise interference and arcing, using a Cockcroft-Walton circuit to multiply input voltage, and metal sheets to improve electrical field shaping and noise blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high voltage power supply designs are used, then voltage multiplication can be achieved, but the device size is large and arcing failures occur frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the voltage multiplier circuitry directly within the x-ray source housing, nesting the high voltage generation components inside the existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external power supply units, reducing overall device volume while maintaining voltage multiplication capability and improving reliability by minimizing external connections that could arc.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal/external layout of power supply components to a vertical/integrated stacking arrangement within the x-ray source. Multiple circuit boards are stacked vertically with embedded components, changing the spatial dimensionality to achieve compactness without compromising electrical performance or increasing arcing risk.
2Reliability
If electronic components are arranged in traditional layouts, then voltage multiplication works, but noise interference and arcing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate shielding structures and grounded planes between high voltage components and sensitive electronics. These intermediary elements act as barriers that block electromagnetic noise and prevent arcing paths, allowing voltage multiplication to occur without interfering with other system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural and material properties to different regions of the circuit boards. High voltage sections use specialized insulation and spacing, while low voltage sections use standard components. This localized optimization reduces noise interference in sensitive areas and prevents arcing in high voltage areas without affecting overall device size.
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 a compact, reliable, and efficient high voltage power supply that reduces arcing failures and noise interference, enabling effective voltage multiplication for x-ray sources while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
using a Cockcroft-Walton circuit to multiply input voltage
Implementation Method 2
metal sheets to improve electrical field shaping and noise blocking
Implementation Method 3
A large voltage between a cathode and an anode of the x-ray tube, and sometimes a heated filament, can cause electrons to emit from the cathode to the anode
Implementation Method 4
The anode can include a target material. The target material can generate x-rays in response to impinging electrons from the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A high voltage power supply can be compact with shielded electronic components. The power supply can include multiple stages separated by circuit boards. Electronic components for each stage can be directly soldered to adjacent circuit boards. Traces can pass through and electrically couple electronic components on each side of the circuit board between them.