Flat Panel X-ray Irradiator with Broad Area Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-contained X-ray irradiators using radioactive isotopes are cumbersome, inefficient, and pose security concerns due to their size, thermal loading issues, and the need for heavy shielding, while prior art X-ray sources with point radiation sources deliver uneven doses and require extensive shielding, limiting their adoption for applications like blood irradiation.
Innovation Solution
A compact self-contained X-ray irradiation system utilizing flat panel X-ray sources with a broad area anode, where the X-ray flux generation area is equal to the target surface area, providing uniform irradiation and reducing the need for additional shielding through self-shielding, and incorporating a heat transfer system for efficient thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If point radiation sources are used in X-ray irradiators, then the device can be more compact, but the radiation dose becomes uneven and extensive shielding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the radiation source into multiple point sources arranged in a grid pattern on the anode surface. Each point source contributes to a specific region of the target, and the collective arrangement ensures uniform dose distribution across the entire irradiation area while maintaining a compact device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single point source to a two-dimensional array of point sources on the anode surface. This dimensional expansion allows the radiation to be delivered uniformly across the target area without requiring extensive shielding, as the distributed sources eliminate hot spots and shadow regions.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If radioactive isotopes are used as radiation sources, then continuous radiation is provided, but heavy shielding and security measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the radiation source from radioactive isotopes to an X-ray tube with a broad area anode. This parameter change allows continuous radiation to be generated on demand by controlling the electron beam, eliminating the need for heavy shielding and security measures associated with radioactive materials while maintaining radiation continuity.
3Productivity
If high power X-ray sources are used to increase irradiation efficiency, then thermal loading increases requiring complex cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat generation area across a broad area anode with multiple point sources distributed over a large surface. This segmentation distributes the thermal load across a wider area, reducing the heat flux density at any single point and enabling high power operation without complex cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent expands the anode surface area in two dimensions, transitioning from a small focal spot to a broad area anode. This dimensional expansion increases the heat dissipation capacity by distributing thermal energy over a larger area, allowing high power X-ray generation while maintaining manageable thermal loading.
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 system achieves efficient and uniform X-ray irradiation with reduced shielding requirements and thermal loading, making it more compact and safer for applications such as blood irradiation, while eliminating the security risks associated with radioactive isotopes.
Implementation Method 1
X-rays produced by the impact of high energy electrons upon a metal target, for example in an X-ray tube
Implementation Method 2
electrons accelerated onto a broad area anode
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a heat transfer system for efficient thermal management
Implementation Method 4
heat transfer system for efficient thermal management
Implementation Method 5
providing uniform irradiation and reducing the need for additional shielding through self-shielding
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a self-contained irradiator comprising at least one X-ray source inside a shielded enclosure, the one or more sources each operable to emit X-ray flux across an area substantially equal to the proximate facing surface area of material placed inside the enclosure to be irradiated. The irradiator may have multiple flat panel X-ray sources disposed, designed or operated so as to provide uniform flux to the material being irradiated. The advantages of the irradiator of the present disclosure include compactness, uniform flux doses, simplified thermal management, efficient shielding and safety, the ability to operate at high power levels for sustained periods and high throughput.