Insulating X-ray Shielding Materials in Tube Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray tubes face issues with errant x-rays penetrating into surrounding areas, causing unwanted radiation exposure and image interference, which necessitates supplemental shielding that increases weight and cost.

Innovation Solution

The integration of electrically insulating x-ray shielding materials, such as oxides or nitrides with atomic numbers from 57 to 74, into components like high-voltage gaskets, connectors, and ceramic portions within the x-ray tube to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental shielding, thereby reducing weight and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If supplemental shielding is added to shield errant x-rays, then x-ray shielding effectiveness is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray shielding effectivenessVSAvoidx-ray tube weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical insulation and x-ray shielding functions into a single component by incorporating high-Z particles (tungsten, lead, or barium) into the electrical insulating material matrix. This merging eliminates the need for separate shielding components, reducing overall weight while maintaining both electrical insulation and x-ray shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials consisting of an electrical insulating material matrix reinforced with high-Z particles. This composite structure provides both electrical insulation properties from the matrix and x-ray shielding properties from the high-Z particles, achieving dual functionality in a single material system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If supplemental shielding is added to shield errant x-rays, then x-ray shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray shielding effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electrical insulation and x-ray shielding functions into a single component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces labor costs while maintaining effective x-ray shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of composite materials allows for a single-step manufacturing process where high-Z particles are incorporated into the insulating matrix during material fabrication, eliminating the need for separate shielding component installation and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If electrically insulating materials are used in the x-ray tube, then electrical insulation is provided, but x-ray shielding effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidx-ray shielding effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where an electrical insulating matrix is combined with high-Z particles. The matrix maintains electrical insulation properties while the embedded high-Z particles provide x-ray shielding, achieving both functions simultaneously in a single material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by concentrating high-Z particles in specific regions where x-ray shielding is most needed, while maintaining the electrical insulating matrix structure. This allows optimal distribution of shielding material to address specific x-ray penetration paths without compromising electrical insulation throughout the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These materials effectively shield errant x-rays, reducing radiation exposure and image interference while minimizing the need for additional shielding, thus lowering the overall weight and manufacturing costs of the x-ray tube.

Implementation Method 1

x-rays typically pass through the electrically insulating device without being absorbed... These materials effectively shield errant x-rays, reducing radiation exposure and image interference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8379799B2Electrically insulating X-ray shielding devices in an X-ray tube

Publication Date: 2013.02.19 VAREX IMAGING CORP

AI summary

Electrically insulating x-ray shielding devices in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube includes an evacuated enclosure, a cathode and an anode at least partially positioned within the evacuated enclosure, and an electrically insulating x-ray shielding device proximate to the evacuated enclosure. The electrically insulating x-ray shielding device includes an oxide or nitride material having an atomic number from 57 to 74.