Multi-Source X-Ray Tube With Electromagnetic Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT systems are complex and costly due to their reliance on rotating gantries with single x-ray sources, which limits their ability to perform fast and accurate imaging while also increasing the complexity and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular CT imaging system utilizing multiple x-ray sources with electromagnetically swept electron beams and active cooling, allowing for variable magnetic fields to control beam paths and eliminate the need for rotating gantries, enabling rotation-free, multi-energy, and virtual filtering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotating gantry with a single x-ray source is used, then the system can perform conventional CT imaging, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the x-ray source into multiple independent sources (e.g., multiple cathodes or focal spots) that can operate simultaneously or sequentially. Each source can be independently controlled to generate x-rays at different angles, eliminating the need for a single complex rotating gantry system while maintaining complete imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating gantry system with a stationary multi-source configuration. Instead of mechanically rotating a single x-ray source around the patient, multiple fixed sources are arranged to provide the necessary angular coverage, eliminating mechanical complexity while achieving the same imaging function.
2Reliability
If a rotating gantry with a single x-ray source is used, then the system can perform conventional CT imaging, but the imaging speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray source into multiple independent sources that can operate simultaneously. By activating multiple sources at once, the system collects projection data from multiple angles in parallel, dramatically reducing the time required to acquire complete imaging data compared to sequential single-source rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous data acquisition by having multiple sources operate simultaneously without the interruptions inherent in mechanical rotation. The useful action of x-ray generation and data collection continues uninterrupted from multiple sources, improving imaging speed and efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple x-ray sources are used with electromagnetic sweeping, then imaging speed and image quality improve, but the need for beam path control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electromagnetic fields to control electron beam paths. Electromagnetic lenses and deflectors precisely control the trajectory of electron beams to multiple focal spots, providing accurate beam direction control without mechanical moving parts, thereby improving imaging speed while managing control complexity through field-based rather than mechanical means.
4Productivity
If multiple x-ray sources operate simultaneously, then imaging speed improves, but radiation dose distribution control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling independent control of each x-ray source's intensity, timing, and angular orientation. This allows the system to optimize radiation distribution by adjusting individual source contributions based on local imaging requirements, patient anatomy, and dose constraints, thereby managing radiation exposure while maintaining high imaging speed through parallel operation.
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 reduces system complexity and costs, enables faster imaging with improved image quality, and allows for dose reduction by optimizing radiation distribution across the field of view, while maintaining or improving image quality and reducing artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection system arranged between the plurality of cathodes and the target anode to generate a variable magnetic field to control a path followed by each of the separate beams of electrons to the target anode
Implementation Method 2
a target anode arranged to receive the separate beam of electrons from each of the plurality of cathodes and, therefrom, generate the beam of ionizing radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging module includes a plurality of cathodes and respective gates, each cathode configured to generate a separate beam of electrons directed across a vacuum chamber and each gate matched to at least one respective cathode to enable and disable each separate beam of electrons from being directed across the vacuum chamber. A target anode is fixed within the vacuum chamber and arranged to receive the separate beam of electrons from each of the plurality of cathodes and, therefrom, generate a beam of x-rays. A deflection system is arranged between the plurality of cathodes and the target anode to generate a variable magnetic field to control a path followed by each of the separate beams of electrons to the target anode.