Multitube X-Ray Emitter Housing for Compact High-Voltage Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging systems require complex mechanisms to move individual X-ray tubes for fluoroscopy of larger examination regions, and maintaining uniform spacing between focal spots on anodes is technically challenging due to high voltage-conducting electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A multitube X-ray emitter housing with a housing, high-voltage supply, and cooling facility, featuring a single high-voltage supply lead with parallel high-voltage contacts, an electrically conductive housing portion with temperature-dependent conductivity, and a control unit that monitors conductivity and switches off high voltage if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual high-voltage supplies are used for each X-ray tube, then each tube can be independently powered, but the device complexity and insulation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple high-voltage supplies into a single common high-voltage supply that distributes power to multiple X-ray tubes simultaneously. This reduces the number of high-voltage bushings from multiple individual supplies to just two bushings (one for high voltage, one for ground), significantly simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the ability to independently control each tube through individual cathode leads.
2Reliability
If large insulation distances are maintained between high-voltage components, then electrical insulation is ensured, but the distance between focal spots on anodes increases and uniform distribution becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by connecting all cathode leads and cathode structures to ground potential, creating a common reference potential throughout the housing. This allows high-voltage components to be positioned closer together without compromising insulation, as the potential differences are controlled and predictable, enabling uniform focal spot spacing while maintaining electrical safety.
3Device complexity
If all side surfaces of the evacuated housing are at ground potential, then insulation is simplified, but the distance between tubes must be relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the housing to have different electrical potentials. Specifically, while cathode leads and cathode structures are grounded, the housing can have localized high-voltage regions where needed. This selective potential assignment allows for closer tube spacing in critical areas while maintaining adequate insulation where high voltage is present, optimizing both space utilization and electrical safety.
4Device complexity
If a single high-voltage supply is used for multiple tubes, then the structure is simplified, but the high voltage must be distributed to multiple contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a common high-voltage supply lead as an intermediary element that distributes high voltage from a single source to multiple high-voltage contacts. This mediator structure simplifies the overall supply architecture while providing systematic voltage distribution to all tubes, making the system easier to operate and maintain compared to multiple independent supplies.
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 configuration allows for more uniform distribution and easier replacement of X-ray tubes, reduces the complexity of high-voltage insulation, and enables closer arrangement of high-voltage contacts, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of X-ray imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first of the at least one side surface has a first electrically conductive housing portion with a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a cooling facility with an electrically insulating cooling medium
Implementation Method 3
electrically insulating cooling medium is located between the first electrically conductive housing portion and one of the high-voltage contacts
Implementation Method 4
a control unit, which has an interface for receiving a measured value representing the electrical conductivity of the first electrically conductive housing portion and is embodied to compare the measured value with a threshold value
Data Source
AI summary
A multitube X-ray emitter housing according to the invention includes a housing, a high-voltage supply and a cooling device with an electrically insulating cooling medium. The high-voltage supply has a plurality of high-voltage contacts connected in parallel on a single high-voltage supply lead. A first of at least one side surface of the housing has a first electrically conductive housing portion with a temperature-dependent electrical conductivity. The multitube X-ray emitter housing further includes: a control unit having an interface to receive a measured value representing the electrical conductivity of the first electrically conductive housing portion and to compare the measured value with a threshold value; and a switching device to switch off the high voltage based on the comparison.