Multi-Spectral X-Ray Target with Rotating Segmented Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray generators have fixed targets made of a single material, limiting their ability to produce varying X-ray characteristic energies, which is necessary for accurate discrimination in applications like security and nondestructive testing.
Innovation Solution
A multi-spectral X-ray generator with a rotatable target comprising multiple sections made of different X-ray generating materials, allowing for the production of X-rays with distinct peak characteristic energies by switching between these sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed target of a single material is used in conventional X-ray generators, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the X-ray characteristic energy is constant and cannot be varied for different discrimination applications
Solution Approach 1:
The anode target is divided into multiple discrete sections, each made of a different material (e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, copper). This segmentation allows the system to produce different characteristic X-ray energies by selecting which section receives the electron beam, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The target is made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic selection of different material sections. The rotation mechanism enables the electron beam to be directed at different target sections on demand, providing adaptability for various discrimination applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple target materials are incorporated to enable multi-spectral X-ray production, then discrimination capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single anode structure serves multiple functions by incorporating different material sections that can be selectively activated. This multi-functional design enables the system to perform various discrimination tasks with different energy requirements without requiring separate X-ray generators for each material, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple target materials are combined into one integrated anode assembly rather than using separate generators. The merged structure shares common support infrastructure, cooling systems, and control mechanisms, allowing multi-spectral capability to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable multi-section target is used, then various X-ray characteristic energies can be produced for different applications, but the mechanical complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity of the rotation mechanism is extracted and minimized by designing a simple rotational joint that allows the target assembly to spin freely or be positioned at fixed angles. This extracted mechanical complexity reduces potential failure points while maintaining the essential adaptability of selecting different target materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the rotation mechanism itself for both positioning and synchronization purposes. The same rotational motion that enables material selection also facilitates synchronization with the detector system, eliminating the need for separate complex control mechanisms and thereby improving reliability.
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
Enables accurate discrimination and identification of specimens by scanning with different X-ray target materials, providing exceptional atomic structure discrimination and identification capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a source of a cathode of the generator emits electrons. The electrons impinge on a target of an anode of the generator, which results in the production of X-rays at the target in the form of a beam
Implementation Method 2
each of the sections comprises an X-ray generating material and at least two of the sections comprise a different X-ray generating material... the first set of X-rays comprises a first peak characteristic energy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for a multi-spectral X-ray target and source are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a disclosed method comprises emitting, by a source of the X-ray generator, electrons towards a section of a multi-spectral X-ray target of the X-ray generator. In one or more embodiments, the multi-spectral X-ray target is rotatable and comprises a plurality of sections, which each comprise an X-ray generating material and at least two of the sections comprise a different X-ray generating material. The method further comprises generating a set of X-rays, when the electrons impinge on the section of the multi-spectral X-ray target. The method further comprises rotating the multi-spectral X-ray target such that the source is in position to project the electrons towards another section of the multi-spectral X-ray target. Further, the method comprises repeating the above method steps for all of the remaining sections of the multi-spectral X-ray target.