Multi-Cathode X-Ray Tube With Staggered Focal Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual energy X-ray scanners require two separate X-ray tubes with staggered focal spots, each with its own cathode and anode, which complicates alignment, calibration, and maintenance due to independent powering and mounting.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray source with at least two cathodes and a common anode, allowing for the generation of independently controlled, staggered X-ray beams from different locations on the anode, enabling simultaneous or alternate focal spot generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If two separate X-ray tubes are used to generate dual energy X-rays with staggered focal spots, then the required X-ray energy spectra are achieved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate X-ray tube systems into a single integrated tube structure. Multiple cathodes (at least two) are positioned to face a common anode, allowing the generation of multiple X-ray beams with different energy spectra from a single device. This merging eliminates the need for separate tube mountings, power supplies, and alignment systems, directly resolving the technical contradiction by maintaining dual energy capability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common anode serves multiple functions by receiving electron beams from different cathodes and generating X-rays at different focal spots. The anode is designed with multiple target areas or angles that can be selectively activated, enabling a single component to perform the work of multiple separate components. This multi-functionality achieves the required X-ray energy spectra while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If two separate X-ray tubes are used with independent powering and mounting, then staggered focal spots are achieved, but alignment and calibration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the mounting structure into a single integrated tube housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate alignments of multiple independent tubes. The common anode and multiple cathodes are pre-positioned relative to each other during manufacturing, ensuring precise focal spot spacing without requiring complex field alignment procedures. This directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining precise focal spot positioning while dramatically improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate X-ray tubes are used, then independent control of X-ray beams is achieved, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electron emission function into multiple independent cathodes while maintaining a shared anode and housing structure. Each cathode can be independently controlled to generate X-rays, preserving the adaptability and independent beam control capability. However, by sharing common components (anode, high voltage supply, cooling system, housing), the maintenance complexity is reduced compared to fully separate tube systems, as fewer discrete components require servicing.
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
Simplifies the generation of dual energy X-rays by reducing the complexity of alignment and maintenance, while allowing for independent control of X-ray beams, enhancing the efficiency of dual energy scanning applications.
Implementation Method 1
A source of X-rays including at least two cathodes and at least one common anode configured and arranged so as to generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays
Implementation Method 2
generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays emanating from respectively different locations of the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A source of X-rays including at least two cathodes and at least one common anode configured and arranged so as to generate at least two spaced apart beams of X-rays emanating from respectively different locations of the anode, and separately controlled so as to be generated independently of one another. The staggered focal spots can be generated simultaneously or alternately as required. An X-ray imaging system comprising such an X-rays source, and a method utilizing such a source are also disclosed.