Multi-grid Electron Gun Single Voltage Source

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-grid electron guns require separate grid voltage sources, which occupy valuable space on gantries like those in computerized tomography (CT) scanners, limiting the number of grids and control over the electron beam, and increasing health risks due to potential overexposure from x-rays.

Innovation Solution

A single common grid voltage source is used to generate multiple grid voltages within the high voltage enclosure through a voltage divider, such as a resistor ladder, reducing the number of high voltage cables and penetrations, and allowing for adjustable beam current control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate grid voltage sources are used for each grid, then each grid can have independent voltage control for beam shaping and modulation, but the physical space required on the gantry increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam control capabilityVSAvoidgantry space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate grid voltage sources are merged into a single grid voltage source that provides a common grid voltage. This single source replaces multiple individual voltage sources, reducing the physical space required on the gantry while maintaining the ability to control multiple grids through a voltage divider network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single grid voltage source is designed to serve multiple grids simultaneously by providing a common grid voltage that can be divided into multiple different voltages. This multi-functional approach allows one voltage source to perform the work of multiple sources, reducing space requirements while preserving beam control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate grid voltage sources are used, then each grid voltage can be independently adjusted, but the device complexity and number of high voltage cables increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrid voltage controlVSAvoidnumber of voltage sources and cables

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple separate grid voltage sources and their associated high voltage cables are merged into a single grid voltage source with one high voltage cable. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating redundant voltage sources and cable connections while maintaining independent grid voltage control through the voltage divider network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage divider network is introduced as an intermediary component between the single grid voltage source and the multiple grids. This voltage divider acts as a mediator that takes one common grid voltage and produces multiple different grid voltages, thereby reducing the number of voltage sources and cables while preserving independent voltage control for each grid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If a single common grid voltage source is used with voltage divider, then the physical space and device complexity are reduced, but the ability to provide different voltages to different grids must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegantry spaceVSAvoiddifferent grid voltages capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single common grid voltage is segmented into multiple different grid voltages through the voltage divider network. The voltage divider divides the common voltage into separate voltage levels that can be applied to different grids, maintaining the ability to provide different voltages while using only one voltage source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage divider network serves as an intermediary that transforms the single common grid voltage into multiple different grid voltages. This intermediary component enables the system to maintain adaptability and versatility in grid voltage control while reducing space requirements by eliminating the need for multiple separate voltage sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces the physical space required for grid voltage sources, enhances control over the electron beam, and minimizes patient exposure to x-rays by enabling precise modulation of the electron beam current.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage divider configured to divide the common grid voltage into a plurality of different grid voltages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage division: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS10573483B2Multi-grid electron gun with single grid supply

Publication Date: 2020.02.25 VAREX IMAGING CORP

AI summary

Some embodiments include a system, comprising: a high voltage enclosure; a cathode disposed in the high voltage enclosure; an anode disposed in the high voltage enclosure; a plurality of grids disposed in the high voltage enclosure between the cathode and the anode; a voltage source configured to generate a common grid voltage; and a voltage divider disposed in the high voltage enclosure, configured to generate a plurality of grid voltages based on the common grid voltage, and configured to apply at least two of the grid voltages to the grids.