Hermetic Target Assembly for Radiation Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional target assemblies for radiation generation face challenges in providing efficient protection and cooling while maintaining a high operational lifespan, especially when exposed to ambient air, due to oxidation corrosion and complex manufacturing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A target assembly is designed with a hermetically sealed chamber filled with air or reduced oxygen, incorporating a substrate and window that is at least partially permeable to the beam, allowing the target to generate radiation without the need for a vacuum environment, and includes a cooling mechanism to manage heat generated during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the target is exposed to ambient air, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the target suffers from oxidation corrosion and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by sealing the target in a hermetic chamber filled with air of normal or reduced oxygen content. This creates a protected environment that prevents oxidation corrosion of the target material while allowing the target to be manufactured and operated without requiring vacuum conditions. The chamber acts as a barrier between the reactive target material and oxidizing conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and target lifespan.
2Reliability
If the target is sealed in a vacuum or non-reactive gas atmosphere, then oxidation protection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hermetic chamber that can be filled with air of normal or reduced oxygen content, eliminating the need for complex vacuum pumping and sealing systems. The chamber provides oxidation protection through its sealed design while allowing simple filling with protective atmosphere during manufacturing. This approach maintains reliable oxidation protection while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity compared to traditional vacuum-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the oxygen content in the chamber to vary between normal air levels and reduced levels, depending on the specific application requirements. This flexibility enables optimization of the protective atmosphere without requiring complete vacuum conditions, thereby simplifying the overall system design and manufacturing process while maintaining adequate oxidation protection.
3Device complexity
If the target is directly exposed to ambient air, then the device structure is simplified, but the target experiences oxidation corrosion at working temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hermetic chamber that encloses the target and fills it with air of normal or reduced oxygen content. This simple sealed structure prevents oxidation corrosion by isolating the target from oxidizing conditions while maintaining structural simplicity. The chamber design is straightforward to manufacture and integrate, providing effective protection without adding significant structural complexity to the overall device.
4Reliability
If the chamber is filled with reduced oxygen content air, then oxidation protection is enhanced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows flexibility in the oxygen content of the air filling the hermetic chamber, permitting normal or reduced oxygen levels based on specific application needs. This parameter adjustment enables optimization of oxidation protection without requiring complex vacuum processing or precise atmospheric control systems. The simplified approach of using reduced oxygen content air balances enhanced protection with manufacturing feasibility.
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 effectively protects the target from oxidation, prolongs its lifespan, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for vacuum processing, while maintaining efficient radiation generation and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
Both a linear accelerator and an X-ray tube may employ a bremsstrahlung converter (BCs) to generate X-ray radiation from incident charged particles. As the charged particles are slowed inside the BC, X-ray photons may be generated.
Implementation Method 2
The hot target material may become oxidized if it is exposed to air, and the produced volatile oxides may vaporize at the working temperature of the target. The chamber may be filled with air having a normal or reduced content of oxygen.
Implementation Method 3
The window may be at least partially permeable to the beam. The window and the substrate may form at least part of a hermetically sealed chamber
Implementation Method 4
a target assembly that may provide an efficient protection and cooling for a target packaged therein
Data Source
AI summary
A target assembly for generating radiation may comprise a target, a substrate and a window. The target may be capable of generating first radiation when impinged by a beam. The window may be at least partially permeable to the beam. The window and the substrate may form at least part of a hermetically sealed chamber and the target may be positioned in the chamber. The chamber may be filled with air having a normal or reduced content of oxygen.