Oscillatory X-ray Target Anode Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray tube anode target assemblies face challenges with heat dissipation and structural integrity, leading to limited operational life and increased manufacturing complexity and cost, particularly in rotating anode configurations.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray tube assembly with an oscillatory motion mechanism for the anode target, allowing for improved heat management by distributing heat over a larger area and reducing peak temperatures, while maintaining a fixed distance from the cathode and using a single drive mechanism for multiple focal spots, thereby extending operational life and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a rotating anode target is used to distribute heat, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to bearings and rotation components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotating bearing component entirely from the system. Instead of rotating the entire anode target, the invention uses a stationary anode with a movable electron beam that scans across the target surface, achieving heat distribution without mechanical rotation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnetic coils generate magnetic fields that deflect the electron beam to scan across the anode target surface, substituting mechanical motion with electromagnetic control.
2Device complexity
If a stationary anode target is used to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electron beam dynamic by enabling it to scan across the stationary anode target surface. This dynamic beam movement distributes the heat load over a larger area of the stationary target, achieving effective heat management without mechanical motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional heat concentration (single focal point) to two-dimensional heat distribution by scanning the electron beam across the target surface in multiple directions, effectively spreading heat over a larger area.
3Duration of action of moving object
If solid lubricated bearings are used for target rotation, then operational life is limited, but heat distribution is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bearing component entirely, eliminating the operational life limitation associated with solid lubricated bearings. Heat distribution is achieved through electron beam scanning rather than mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron beam itself serves the dual function of generating X-rays and distributing heat, without requiring separate mechanical components for heat management. The beam's electromagnetic control enables unlimited operational cycles.
4Productivity
If high power is used to improve X-ray generation, then productivity increases, but heat concentration and thermal stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent spreads the high-power electron beam energy across a two-dimensional area of the anode target through scanning motion, rather than concentrating it at a single point. This enables high productivity with reduced thermal stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic electron beam scanning to continuously move the focal point across the target surface, distributing the thermal load in real-time during high-power operation, thereby preventing localized thermal stress accumulation.
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
The oscillatory motion enables higher power usage and longer operation durations compared to stationary anode targets, with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, while maintaining temperature below the evaporation limit for the metal, thus enhancing the anode target's longevity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillatory motion mechanism for the anode target, allowing for improved heat management by distributing heat over a larger area
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy of the striking electrons against the target material is converted to electromagnetic waves of very high frequency, i.e. X-rays
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer primarily take place using conduction or convection from the target to the X-ray tube frame
Implementation Method 4
heat radiation, convection and/or conduction
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray tube anode assembly and an X-ray tube assembly are disclosed that include an X-ray target and a drive assembly configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the X-ray target. The drive assembly is configured to provide an oscillatory motion to the target assembly.