Hybrid Air Liquid X-ray Cooling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray generator cooling systems are cumbersome, costly, and limit the peak power and scan duration due to the use of separate cooling systems with external heat exchangers, which are inefficient for small focal spots and result in prolonged recovery times.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid cooling system with a heat transfer element featuring fins for air cooling and a liquid channel within the anode for focal spot cooling, where the heat transfer element, liquid channel, and anode form a unified structure, utilizing a circulation pump to move cooling liquid for efficient heat removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a separate cooling system with external heat exchanger is used, then heat removal capability is improved, but system complexity, size, and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling system with the anode structure by integrating liquid channels directly into the anode body and combining air cooling fins with the same component. This eliminates the need for separate external heat exchangers and reduces system complexity while maintaining effective heat removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the X-ray generating target and the heat dissipation structure. The liquid channels and air fins are integrated into the anode, making it a multi-functional component that generates X-rays and simultaneously removes heat through dual cooling paths.
2Temperature
If a separate cooling system with external heat exchanger is used, then heat removal capability is improved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling functions are merged into the anode structure itself, eliminating the need for bulky external heat exchangers. The liquid channels and air fins are built into the anode, dramatically reducing system weight while maintaining effective heat removal.
3Temperature
If a heatsink is directly attached to the anode, then cooling efficiency is improved, but maximum power level and recovery time are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent paths: liquid cooling channels for high-power focal spot cooling and air cooling fins for general anode cooling. This segmentation allows each path to operate optimally, enabling higher power levels and faster recovery times compared to a single cooling method.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid channels are positioned adjacent to the focal spot to provide localized high-performance cooling where heat generation is most intense. The air fins cover broader anode surfaces for general heat dissipation, creating different cooling qualities in different locations to match heat generation patterns.
4Measurement precision
If a small focal spot is used to improve image resolution, then image quality is improved, but heat removal becomes more critical and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid channels are strategically positioned adjacent to the focal spot to provide concentrated, high-performance cooling exactly where the small focal spot generates intense heat. This localized cooling quality matches the localized heat generation, enabling small focal spots to be used without compromising heat removal capability.
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 solution reduces system complexity and size, enables higher power operation with smaller focal spots, decreases inter-scan cooling times, and lowers costs by improving cooling efficiency and allowing for more compact, portable X-ray systems.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer element having fins that transfer heat from the anode to surrounding air to cool the anode
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer element having fins that transfer heat from the anode to surrounding air to cool the anode
Implementation Method 3
heat from the focal spot is transferred to the cooling liquid to cool the focal spot
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling system used in an X-ray generator having a cathode and anode that includes a target having a focal spot, wherein heat is generated in the anode and focal spot during operation of the X-ray generator. The system includes a heat transfer element attached to the anode wherein the heat transfer element includes a plurality of fin elements that transfer heat from the anode to surrounding air to cool the anode. The system also includes a liquid channel formed in the anode, wherein the liquid channel includes a cooling liquid. The liquid channel is located adjacent the target wherein heat from the focal spot is transferred to the cooling liquid to cool the focal spot wherein the heat transfer element, liquid channel and anode are unistructurally formed. Further, the cooling system includes a circulation pump that moves the cooling liquid in the liquid channel.