Low-Voltage X-Ray Tube Layout With Electron Blocking Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray machines face challenges in efficiently processing smaller items due to higher energy x-rays being inefficient and requiring costly shielding, while lower voltage systems lack capacity and are expensive when scaled up for higher capacity needs.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray apparatus with a vacuum chamber, a cathode, and a target anode, where the target anode has an x-ray generating layer with a high atomic number and a selectively blocking path to allow x-rays to exit while blocking electrons, along with a liquid cooling system and modular design for efficient heat management and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If higher voltage is used to generate higher energy x-rays for deeper penetration, then x-ray penetration capability is improved, but shielding cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter to operate in the lower range (200-320 kV) while compensating for reduced penetration through increased beam current and optimized target design, thereby reducing shielding requirements while maintaining processing effectiveness for smaller items
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lower voltage is used to reduce shielding cost and system size, then shielding cost is reduced, but processing capacity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lower voltage x-ray tubes (typically three) operating in parallel to achieve the processing capacity of a single high voltage system, while maintaining lower shielding costs and enabling modular scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the operation of multiple x-ray tubes, allowing selective activation and load distribution to optimize processing capacity while maintaining cost-effective shielding requirements
3Productivity
If higher power is provided at lower voltage to maintain capacity, then processing capacity is maintained, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system with liquid cooling channels integrated into the target structure, acting as a heat transfer medium between the x-ray target and external cooling apparatus to manage the thermal load from high power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a liquid cooling system using fluid dynamics to remove heat from the target, with cooling channels designed to maximize heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining compact system dimensions
4Productivity
If multiple lower voltage systems are used to achieve higher capacity, then processing capacity is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray generation function into multiple identical modular tubes, each operating independently at lower voltage, allowing scalable capacity expansion while maintaining standardized, manageable system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal modular components that can be configured in different numbers and arrangements to meet various processing capacity requirements, reducing overall system complexity through standardization and interchangeability
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 efficient x-ray generation with lower energy settings, reducing shielding needs and costs, while enabling high-capacity processing with modular components for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply is connected between the cathode and target anode whereby free electrons are accelerated in their flow from the cathode to the target anode within the vacuum chamber
Implementation Method 2
X-rays are generated by accelerating electrons toward a target material. The interaction of the electrons with the target material causes the target material to emit radiation in the form of x-rays
Implementation Method 3
The target anode surface comprises an associated x-ray generating layer comprising one or more of the elements with an atomic number equal to or greater than 73
Implementation Method 4
A liquid cooling pathway is associated with the target anode preferably between the x-ray generating layer and the exterior surface of the window for heat transfer from the target anode
Implementation Method 5
A liquid cooling pathway is associated with the target anode preferably between the x-ray generating layer and the exterior surface of the window for heat transfer from the target anode
Implementation Method 6
The path blocks over 70% of the free electrons reaching the target anode from continuing on to exit through the window, while allowing x-rays leaving the x-ray generating layer to continue along that path to exit through the window
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray apparatus includes a vacuum chamber that includes a window for exit of x-rays. Electrons are generated at a cathode within the vacuum chamber and accelerated toward a target anode associated with the window. An x-ray generating layer is included as a surface of the target anode to receive the electrons emitted by the cathode and to create x-rays. A blocking path blocks over 70% of the free electrons reaching said target anode from continuing on to exit through the window, while allowing x-rays leaving the x-ray generating layer to continue along the selectively blocking path to exit through the window. The x-ray apparatus is capable of operating at low voltage and relatively high power to reduce the necessary shielding and the corresponding weight of the apparatus yet allow more ready absorption of x-rays by items being irradiated.