Magnetic Lift Assembly for X-Ray Tube Anode Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging systems, particularly CT scanners, face challenges with stress on bearing assemblies due to gantry rotation, which can lead to reduced bearing life and increased costs when using liquid metal bearings or other solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a magnetic lift configuration using a lift electromagnet to counteract centrifugal forces on rotating components, combined with heat dissipation strategies such as dielectric oil cooling and thermal interfaces to manage heat generated by the lift electromagnet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid metal bearings are used to support the rotating anode, then the bearing life and reliability are improved, but the cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical liquid metal bearing system with a magnetic field-based support system. Electromagnets generate magnetic fields that provide lift and radial support forces to the rotating anode assembly, eliminating the need for physical contact bearings. This substitution of mechanical support with electromagnetic support reduces complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the electromagnets and the rotating anode assembly. The magnetic fields act as a non-contact mediator that transfers support forces without requiring physical contact, thereby eliminating the complexity of liquid metal bearing systems while ensuring reliable support during rotation.
2Productivity
If the gantry rotation speed is increased to improve imaging performance, then the productivity is improved, but the stress on bearing assemblies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical bearing support with electromagnetic support that can dynamically adjust to varying rotational speeds. The electromagnets generate magnetic fields that provide continuous support forces, eliminating the mechanical stress that would otherwise increase with higher gantry rotation speeds. This allows the system to operate at higher speeds for improved productivity without compromising bearing integrity.
3Reliability
If a magnetic lift assembly is implemented to reduce bearing stress, then the reliability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal interface materials and cooling systems as intermediaries to manage heat transfer. Thermal interface materials facilitate efficient heat transfer from the electromagnet components to the cooling system, which then acts as a heat sink to dissipate the generated heat. This intermediary thermal management system allows the magnetic lift assembly to operate reliably while controlling temperature rise.
4Temperature
If heat dissipation structures are added to cool the lift electromagnet, then the temperature is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling system with the existing structural components of the X-ray imaging system. The heat dissipation structures are integrated into the housing and support frameworks that already exist in the system, rather than adding separate, standalone cooling components. This merging approach enables effective heat dissipation while minimizing the increase in overall device 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
The magnetic lift configuration reduces stress on bearing assemblies, increases bearing life, and allows for cost-effective upgrades to existing systems, while effective heat dissipation prevents thermal damage and maintains system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a lift electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft
Implementation Method 2
counteract centrifugal forces on rotating components
Implementation Method 3
heat dissipation strategies such as dielectric oil cooling
Implementation Method 4
thermal interfaces to manage heat generated by the lift electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a lift assembly may exert a force on a rotatable anode of an X-ray tube. The lift assembly may include a lift shaft and a lift electromagnet. The lift shaft may be coupled to the anode and may be configured to rotate around an axis of rotation of the anode. The lift electromagnet may be configured to apply a magnetic force to the lift shaft in a radial direction. The lift electromagnet may include a first pole and a second pole oriented towards the lift shaft. Windings may be positioned around the first pole. The lift assembly may include a heat dissipating structure.