Integrated Flying-Spot X-Ray Apparatus with Revolving Collimator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray apparatuses cannot dynamically scan objects spot by spot, limiting their effectiveness in safety inspection and medical treatment applications.

Innovation Solution

An integrated flying-spot X-ray apparatus is developed, comprising a ray generator, a revolving collimator device driven by a frameless torque motor, and a cooling system, all mounted on a compact frame, enabling dynamic spot-by-spot scanning by rotating the collimator device with an aperture outside the sector-shaped X-ray beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional X-ray apparatus emits X-ray along a conical plane or sector plane, then the X-ray coverage area is large, but dynamic spot-by-spot scanning capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespot-by-spot scanning capabilityVSAvoidscanning mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the X-ray beam path by introducing a collimator with movable apertures that divides the conical/sector X-ray beam into selectable directional beams. This segmentation enables spot-by-spot scanning capability while maintaining the simplicity of the original X-ray tube structure, as the collimator acts as an independent modular component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a collimator as an intermediary device between the X-ray tube and the inspection target. This collimator with its rotatable aperture structure mediates the X-ray beam direction, enabling dynamic scanning without requiring direct movement of the X-ray tube or complex positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If functional devices are integrated on a mounting frame, then the apparatus structure becomes compact, but heat dissipation from the ray generator becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus volumeVSAvoidray generator temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cooling function from the integrated mounting frame by adding a dedicated cooling device with separate cooling channels. This extraction allows the ray generator to be closely integrated with other components for compactness while maintaining effective heat dissipation through the independent cooling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for integrating the ray generator, collimator, and other components to achieve compactness, while simultaneously serving as a thermal management structure with integrated cooling channels that conduct heat away from the ray generator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the collimator device is made rotatable to achieve scanning, then spot-by-spot scanning is enabled, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning functionVSAvoidcollimator control ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic scanning capability by making the collimator rotatable about the ray generator. This dynamic structure allows the aperture to be positioned at different angles to achieve spot-by-spot scanning, while the rotation mechanism is designed to be simple and controllable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collimator apertures are pre-positioned at specific angles around the ray generator, allowing for predetermined scanning patterns. This preliminary arrangement of aperture positions enables systematic scanning without requiring complex real-time calculation or control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for dynamic spot-by-spot scanning, achieves a compact structure, and efficiently shields X-rays, enhancing the apparatus's utility in safety inspection and medical treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a frameless torque motor configured to drive the revolving collimator device to rotate about the ray generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cooling device configured to cool the ray generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a ray generator configured to generate the X-ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 4

an X-ray tube, a high voltage generator configured to drive the X-ray tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 5

between the anode end cap and the anode target is further provided a first anode insulation protecting seat and a second anode insulation protecting seat which are combined to form a labyrinth channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2701159B1Integrated flying-spot x-ray apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.09.21 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2701159B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2701159B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2701159B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is an integrated flying-spot X-ray apparatus comprising a ray generator (40) configured to generate the X-ray, a revolving collimator device (60) provided thereon with at least one aperture and arranged to be rotatable about the ray generator (40), a frameless torque motor (80) configured to drive the revolving collimator device (60) to rotate about the ray generator (40), and a cooling device (20) configured to cool the ray generator (40), wherein the ray generator (40), the revolving collimator device (60), the frameless torque motor (80) and the cooling device (20) are mounted on an integrated mounting frame (10 and 11). Compared with the prior art, the integrated flying-spot X-ray apparatus according to the present disclosure has a simple and compact structure and is used as a kernel apparatus for fields of safety inspection and medical treatment.