Modular Multispot X-ray Source for High G-Load Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray sources face challenges with high g-load capability and thermal loading, leading to reduced reliability and image quality degradation in advanced imaging systems, particularly in high-speed CT applications and cardiac imaging.
Innovation Solution
A modular multispot x-ray source design featuring an array of electron sources and targets mounted on separate plates with high-voltage insulators, allowing for independent spacing and cooling, which minimizes thermal distortion and enhances g-load capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a rotating target is used to distribute heat at the focal spot, then thermal management is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to high g-loads and mechanical failure in high-speed rotation applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single rotating target into multiple stationary targets arranged in a circular pattern. Each target receives electrons from a corresponding electron source, creating multiple focal spots instead of one rotating focal spot. This segmentation eliminates the need for high-speed rotation while distributing heat across multiple stationary points, resolving the contradiction between thermal management and mechanical reliability under g-loads.
2Speed
If the gantry rotation speed is increased to enable cardiac imaging, then imaging speed is improved, but the g-loads exceed what current CT systems can withstand
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the entire gantry with a single x-ray source to achieve rapid imaging, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the gantry stationary with multiple x-ray sources arranged in a circle. The electron beams are selectively activated to illuminate different sectors, achieving rapid sequential imaging without subjecting the system to extreme g-loads from high-speed rotation.
3Power
If higher peak power is provided to increase imaging capability, then power is improved, but peak temperatures at the target increase beyond material capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electron beam into multiple separate beams, each directed at a different target. This distributes the total power load across multiple focal spots instead of concentrating it at a single point. Each target experiences lower peak temperature while the system delivers higher total peak power, resolving the contradiction between power capability and temperature management.
4Productivity
If a continuous ring target is used in scanning e-beam systems, then multispot imaging can be performed rapidly, but thermal distortion degrades image quality through excessive focal spot motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous ring target with discrete, separated targets arranged in a circular pattern. Each target is independently supported and thermally managed, preventing the thermal distortion that occurs in continuous targets. This segmentation maintains rapid imaging capability while eliminating excessive focal spot motion, thus preserving image 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
The modular design provides robust g-load capability and improved thermal management, reducing focal spot motion and maintaining image quality, while being cost-effective and flexible for various imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
electrons that are accelerated across a vacuum gap to a target or an anode assembly via a high voltage potential
Implementation Method 2
x-rays are generated therefrom
Implementation Method 3
a filament contained within the electron source is heated to incandescence by passing an electric current therethrough
Implementation Method 4
In releasing the electrons, a filament contained within the electron source is heated to incandescence
Implementation Method 5
The electrons are accelerated by the high voltage potential and impinge upon a target surface of the target at a focal spot. Upon impingement, the electrons are rapidly decelerated and, in the process, x-rays are generated therefrom
Implementation Method 6
X-ray tubes include a rotating target or anode structure for the purpose of distributing heat generated at the focal spot
Data Source
AI summary
A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes an electron source mounting plate, two or more electron sources each mounted on and electrically coupled to the electron source mounting plate, and a target block positioned proximately to the two or more electron sources. The source includes two or more targets mounted on and electrically coupled to the target block, each target positioned opposite a respective one of the two or more electron sources to receive a respective beam of electrons therefrom.