Modular X-ray Source with Segmented Targets and Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional x-ray imaging systems face challenges with high g-load capability and thermal distortion due to the need for increased peak power and faster gantry speeds, leading to excessive focal spot motion and image quality degradation, while modular multispot sources require extensive and costly shielding and complex collimation systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular x-ray source design featuring a structure with a cavity containing targets for multiple electron beams and shielding material on the walls, allowing for reduced thermal distortion and improved g-load capability, along with a simplified collimation system using composite collimator plates for efficient x-ray beam control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional x-ray tubes are designed for higher peak power to meet increasing demands, then power output is improved, but target temperature increases causing reduced reliability and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target into multiple discrete focal spots arranged in a circular pattern rather than using a single focal spot. This segmentation allows the electron beam to be distributed across multiple locations, preventing excessive heat concentration at any single point and enabling higher peak power operation without compromising target reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic deflection of the electron beam to sequentially activate different focal spots around the circular target arrangement. This periodic action distributes thermal load over time and space, allowing the target to withstand higher peak power while maintaining reliability through controlled cyclic operation
2Productivity
If gantry rotation speed is increased to enable faster imaging, then productivity is improved, but g-load increases causing excessive focal spot motion and degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The multispot configuration with multiple focal spots arranged circularly allows selective activation of specific spots depending on gantry orientation. This segmentation enables the system to maintain image quality by using only those focal spots that remain stable during high-speed rotation, while other spots serve as backups or are deactivated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection and activation of focal spots based on real-time gantry position and acceleration conditions. During high-g phases of rotation, certain focal spots are deactivated while others are activated, creating a dynamic adaptation strategy that maintains image quality across varying operational conditions
3Temperature
If modular multispot source design is implemented to reduce thermal distortion, then temperature stability is improved, but shielding requirements increase leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple focal spots and their associated shielding requirements into a single integrated modular source design. By merging the shielding function across all focal spots into a unified structure, the overall shielding complexity is reduced compared to implementing separate shielding for each spot, while maintaining temperature stability through the distributed focal spot configuration
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 minimizes thermal distortion, enhances g-load capability, and reduces system costs by using less shielding material and simplifying collimation, resulting in improved image quality and reduced system downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The process of deceleration typically results in heating of the focal spot to very high temperatures
Implementation Method 2
a shielding material positioned on the second wall
Data Source
AI summary
A modular x-ray source for an imaging system includes a structure forming a cavity and having a first wall and a second wall, at least one target positioned on the first wall within the cavity and configured to receive a first electron beam at a first spot position and a second electron beam at a second spot position, and a shielding material positioned on the second wall.