Multi-Emitter X-Ray Tube Controller for Dose Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power x-ray tubes used in computed tomography and angiography face limitations in achieving high and variable x-ray dose power due to structural and material-related constraints, leading to shortened emitter lifespan and suboptimal focusing of the x-ray beam at high electron currents, primarily due to space charge effects.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using multiple emitters with individually controlled deflection units and a spatially resolving detector to optimize the superimposed x-ray beam intensity distribution, allowing for precise focusing and variable x-ray dose by aligning and deflecting electron beams to achieve a common focal spot on the anode, with a common control unit managing the deflection units for real-time optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high electron currents are used to generate high x-ray dose power, then x-ray intensity increases, but emitter lifespan is severely shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electron beam generation into multiple independent emitters (at least two emitters), each generating its own electron beam. This segmentation allows the total x-ray dose power to be distributed across multiple emitters, reducing the current burden on each individual emitter and thereby extending their operational lifespan while maintaining high overall power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the x-ray beams from multiple emitters into a single superimposed x-ray beam that strikes a common focal spot on the anode. By merging the beams spatially and temporally, the system achieves high dose power concentration at the target while each emitter operates at lower, more sustainable current levels.
2Power
If high electron currents are used to increase x-ray intensity, then x-ray dose power increases, but focusing of the x-ray beam deteriorates due to space charge effects
Solution Approach 1:
Each emitter is equipped with its own independent deflection unit, allowing separate and precise control of each electron beam's trajectory. This segmentation of control enables individual beam focusing and positioning, compensating for space charge effects that would otherwise degrade focusing precision at high currents.
Solution Approach 2:
A detector measures the intensity distribution of the superimposed x-ray beam, and this measurement feeds back to the control system which adjusts the deflection units accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of beam focusing and positioning, maintaining high precision even at high electron currents where space charge effects are significant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable x-ray dose power is desired for different imaging applications, then imaging flexibility increases, but system complexity increases due to need for precise beam control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independently controllable emitters, each with its own deflection unit. This segmentation allows flexible combination of emitter outputs to achieve various dose power levels and distributions. By activating or deactivating individual emitters and adjusting their respective beam parameters, the system can adapt to different imaging requirements without requiring a completely different system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection units are dynamically adjustable, allowing real-time modification of electron beam trajectories and focal positions. This dynamic control capability enables the system to adapt beam characteristics (intensity, position, focus) on-the-fly to match varying imaging application requirements, providing versatility without fixed hardware configurations.
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 approach enables high x-ray dose power with extended emitter lifespan and rapid dose variation, allowing for precise focusing and adaptable x-ray intensity, enhancing the performance in applications like computed tomography and medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
electrons are emitted from the cathode (the emitter) and are accelerated toward the anode by means of an applied high voltage
Implementation Method 2
The more important or greater part of the radiation types that is used is the x-ray bremsstrahlung. This arises due to the braking of electrons upon passing through the material of the anode
Implementation Method 3
Each emitter has an associated deflection unit with a coil that can be individually controlled
Implementation Method 4
a spatially resolving detector is provided that measures and correspondingly evaluates the superimposed intensity distribution of the x-ray beam. These data serve for the alignment of the electron beams
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray tube has a number of emitters that generate respective electron beams, and has a common anode at which the electron beams strike on a surface to generate x-rays. A high x-ray dose power with a long lifespan are achieved while being able to quickly vary the x-ray dose power by using a superimposed intensity distribution from the x-ray beams, which is measured by a detector, to optimize the x-ray beams on the surface.