Linear X-Ray Anode Cooling Layout for Focal Spot Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray sources with linear anodes face challenges in cooling and support, leading to deformation, focal spot shifting, and increased complexity due to coolant supply from one end, which affects the quality and stability of the x-ray beams.
Innovation Solution
The anode support structure is positioned on the opposite side of the target, providing both structural support and cooling passages that distribute coolant uniformly across the anode, reducing thermal expansion issues and simplifying the system by eliminating the need for high voltage standoffs and complex coolant paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If coolant is supplied from one end of the anode, then the cooling system is simpler, but thermal expansion causes deformation and focal spot shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent coolant supply paths, with coolant supply structures positioned at both ends of the anode. This segmentation allows each end to be cooled independently, preventing thermal gradients that cause deformation while maintaining system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach transitions from one-dimensional (single end supply) to two-dimensional (both ends supply) coolant distribution. By adding coolant supply capability in the spatial dimension at both ends of the anode, thermal expansion is uniformly controlled, preventing deformation without increasing operational complexity
2Stability of the object's composition
If support structures are placed on both ends of the anode, then structural stability is improved, but the system becomes more complex with additional high voltage standoffs
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures and coolant supply structures are merged into a single integrated component at each end of the anode. This combination eliminates the need for separate high voltage standoffs, reducing system complexity while maintaining structural stability through the combined mechanical and thermal management functions
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical support for the anode, serving as high voltage insulation barriers, and housing coolant supply channels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while enhancing structural stability
3Device complexity
If the anode is cooled from one end, then the cooling system is simpler, but thermal gradients cause anode warping and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling zones, with coolant supply structures at both ends of the anode. This segmentation creates balanced thermal management across the anode length, preventing thermal gradients that cause warping while keeping each cooling zone simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management parameter changes from asymmetric (one-end cooling) to symmetric (both-ends cooling) coolant distribution. This parameter change in the cooling configuration creates uniform temperature distribution across the anode, preventing thermal warping without significantly increasing system complexity
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 enhances the stability and reliability of the x-ray source by minimizing deformation, reducing the gap between x-ray beams, and lowering the failure rate due to reduced high voltage instability, while simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The incident electron beams generate heat in the anode. The anode may be cooled by a coolant, such as water or dielectric oil, that is supplied at one of the ends of the anode.
Implementation Method 2
If the hot side of the anode where the target is located and the cold side that is opposite of target are different in temperature then the anode may bow because the hotter side wants to grow more than the cooler side.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, comprising: a vacuum enclosure; an anode support structure penetrating the vacuum enclosure and including a plurality of first cooling passages; and an anode disposed within the vacuum enclosure, coupled to and supported by the anode support structure, and including: a target; and a plurality of second cooling passages; wherein: each of the second cooling passages is coupled to a corresponding first cooling passage; and the anode is coupled to the anode support structure on a side of the anode different from a side of the anode including the target and different from axial ends of the anode on a major axis of the anode.