Metalized Ceramic Plate Arc Protection in X-Ray Tubes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Static electric fields produced during the operation of x-ray tubes can cause electrical arcing when they exit the evacuated enclosure and come into contact with air, leading to damage and a shortened operational life.

Innovation Solution

The use of a metalized ceramic plate with a recess and feedthru openings, where metallization is formed around the perimeter of the recess and electrically connected to the feedthru openings, helps to direct static electric fields away from the electrical conductors, reducing the risk of arcing by acting as a Faraday shield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical conductors extend through the evacuated enclosure wall, then electrical connection is achieved, but electrical arcing occurs when static electric fields contact air outside the enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidelectrical arcing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure consisting of a recess and metallization on the outer surface of the evacuated enclosure wall. This intermediary configuration acts as a transition zone that guides static electric fields away from electrical conductors, preventing direct contact between the fields and air that would cause arcing, while still allowing electrical conductors to pass through the wall for connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the outer surface with a recess and metallization pattern before the static electric fields exit the enclosure. This pre-established structure creates a preferred path for the electric fields, counteracting their natural tendency to contact conductors directly, thereby preventing arcing before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the evacuated enclosure wall is sealed, then vacuum integrity is maintained, but electrical conductors cannot pass through without creating arcing paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum integrityVSAvoidarc-free operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized local structure (recess with metallization) at the specific location where electrical conductors penetrate the evacuated enclosure wall. This localized modification allows the wall to maintain its vacuum-sealing function in most areas while providing a protected path for electrical conductors at the penetration point, preventing arcing without compromising overall vacuum integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If metallization is added to protect against arcing, then electrical protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearcing protectionVSAvoidenclosure structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the outer surface of the evacuated enclosure wall by creating a recess and adding metallization only in the specific area where electrical conductors penetrate. This segmentation approach provides arc protection precisely where needed rather than requiring comprehensive metallization of the entire enclosure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively reduces electrical arcing both inside and outside the evacuated enclosure, thereby extending the operational life of the x-ray tube and preventing catastrophic failures.

Implementation Method 1

metallization is formed around the perimeter of the recess and electrically connected to one of the feedthru openings... helping to direct static electric fields away from the electrical conductors, reducing the risk of arcing by acting as a Faraday shield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFaraday shield: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The electrical conductors extend through the feedthru openings and are brazed within the feedthru openings to hermetically seal the feedthru openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS8675818B2Ceramic metallization in an x-ray tube

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 VAREX IMAGING CORP

AI summary

Ceramic metallization in an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, a metalized ceramic plate for an x-ray tube includes a first side configured to reside inside an evacuated enclosure of an x-ray tube, a second side configured to reside outside the evacuated enclosure, a recess formed in the second side, feedthru openings that extend through the plate between the first side and the recess, and metallization formed around the perimeter of the recess and electrically connected to one of the feedthru openings.