Modular X-ray Tube Anode Segments with Integrated Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray tube anode cooling methods are inefficient and costly, especially for long, arcuate or linear anodes, which require complex and expensive fabrication of single-piece anodes, and may suffer from thermal distortion and mechanical instability.
Innovation Solution
A modular anode design comprising thermally conductive segments with a rigid stainless steel backbone and integrated cooling channels, where copper anode segments are bolted or crimped onto the backbone, and a coolant tube carries fluid through the channels to efficiently remove heat, reducing the need for bolts and minimizing gas trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece anode is fabricated for long arcuate or linear structures, then the anode can be used for moving X-ray source applications, but the fabrication becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is divided into multiple discrete segments that can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled into the required arcuate or linear configuration. This segmentation enables complex geometries to be achieved through modular assembly rather than single-piece fabrication, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the capability for moving X-ray source applications.
2Device complexity
If conventional cooling methods are used for long anodes, then the structure can be simplified, but thermal distortion and mechanical instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are integrated directly into the anode segment structure, merging the cooling function with the structural components. This integration ensures effective heat removal from the anode segments during operation, preventing thermal distortion and mechanical instability that would occur with simplified conventional cooling methods, while avoiding the need for separate complex cooling systems.
3Strength
If multiple bolts are used to attach anode segments to the backbone, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but gas can be trapped at the base of the bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The bolts are removed from the attachment system entirely and replaced by a crimping mechanism. This extraction of the problematic component (bolts) eliminates the gas trapping issue that occurs at bolt bases, while the crimping process provides sufficient mechanical attachment strength to hold the anode segments to the backbone.
4Temperature
If copper anode segments are used for high thermal conductivity, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but thermal expansion mismatch with stainless steel backbone occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The anode assembly uses a composite construction with copper segments attached to a stainless steel backbone. This composite material approach combines the high thermal conductivity of copper for efficient heat removal with the dimensional stability and lower thermal expansion of stainless steel in the backbone, achieving both thermal performance and structural stability despite material mismatch.
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 design allows for efficient heat removal, mechanical stability, and cost-effective fabrication of long anode structures with reduced risk of thermal distortion and electrostatic discharge, enabling extended anode lifespan and improved operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
the anode segments are formed from a material with a high thermal conductivity such as copper
Implementation Method 2
a coolant tube arranged to carry coolant through the anode
Implementation Method 3
the flat rear faces are in contact with and held against the front face of the support member
Implementation Method 4
When they strike the anode they lose some, or all, of their kinetic energy, the majority of which is released as heat
Implementation Method 5
an electron source and a metal anode, wherein the anode is at a positive potential with respect to the electron source. The electric field accelerates the emitted electron towards the anode
Data Source
Figure 1a~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
An anode for an X-ray tube comprises at least one thermally conductive anode segment in contact with a rigid support member and cooling means arranged to cool the anode. The anode may comprise a plurality of anode segments aligned end to end, each in contact with the support member.