Rotating Anode Composite Structure for High-Speed X-Ray Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limitations of metal anodes in X-ray tubes, such as molybdenum, restrict the rotational frequency and peak power of rotating anodes, making them unsuitable for high-speed and high-power applications like real-time imaging and medical radiography.
Innovation Solution
A segmented rotating anode composed of carbon materials with varying properties, including an outer ring with aligned carbon fibers for mechanical stabilization, an intermediate ring for thermal conductivity, and a metallic interface for enhanced thermal robustness, replacing traditional metal anodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional metal anodes (molybdenum) are used, then mechanical strength is sufficient, but rotational frequency and peak power are limited due to thermal constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite anode structure consisting of a carbon fiber-reinforced carbon matrix material. This composite material provides both high mechanical strength and superior thermal conductivity, allowing the anode to withstand high rotational speeds and thermal loads simultaneously. The carbon-based composite replaces traditional metal anodes to achieve better thermal management while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode features a non-uniform fiber orientation structure where carbon fibers are arranged with different orientations in different regions. The outer ring has fibers oriented radially to withstand centrifugal forces, while the inner region has fibers oriented to optimize thermal conduction paths. This local variation in fiber orientation optimizes both mechanical and thermal properties in different zones of the anode.
2Strength
If metal anodes are used, then thermal conductivity is adequate, but mechanical stability at high speeds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon fiber-reinforced carbon matrix composite provides exceptional mechanical strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the anode to maintain structural stability at high rotational speeds. The composite structure resists centrifugal forces better than traditional metals while reducing overall mass, which further improves high-speed performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer ring region of the anode has carbon fibers oriented radially to maximize resistance against centrifugal forces generated during high-speed rotation. This localized fiber orientation provides enhanced mechanical stability specifically where it is most needed during rotation, while other regions have fiber orientations optimized for thermal conduction.
3Speed
If carbon composite materials are used, then thermal conductivity and rotational speed improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is designed as a segmented structure with distinct regions (outer ring and inner region) that have different fiber orientations. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently for its specific function (mechanical strength vs. thermal conduction) while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by treating different zones separately during fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process creates local variations in fiber orientation within the carbon composite material. By controlling fiber arrangement in specific regions during manufacturing, the patent achieves optimized mechanical and thermal properties in different zones without requiring entirely separate manufacturing processes for each region.
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 improves mechanical stability, thermal conductivity, and peak X-ray emission levels, allowing for higher rotational frequencies and electron beam power densities, thus addressing the thermal limitations of traditional metal anodes.
Implementation Method 1
an outer ring compound comprising a first carbon material with a first material property and carbon fibres substantially aligned to a contour of the outer ring compound, wherein the outer ring compound is configured to mechanically stabilize the rotating anode
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate ring compound comprising a second carbon material with a second material property differing from the first material property; an inner disc compound comprising a layered fibre structure and a third carbon material with a third material property differing from the first and the second material property, wherein the inner disc compound and the intermediate ring compound are configured to provide a thermally conductive interface between the intermediate ring compound and the inner disc compound
Implementation Method 3
an interface compound comprising a metallic or a semi-metallic material, wherein the interface compound is coupled to the intermediate ring compound and the inner disc compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotating anode (100) comprising: an outer ring compound (6) comprising a first carbon material with a first material property and carbon fibers substantially aligned to a contour of the outer ring compound (6), wherein the outer ring compound (6) is configured to mechanically stabilize the rotating anode (100); an intermediate ring compound (5) comprising a second carbon material with a second material property differing from the first material property; a inner disc compound (2) comprising a layered fiber structure and a third carbon material with a third material property differing from the first and the second material property, wherein the inner disc compound (2) and the intermediate ring compound (5) are configured to provide a thermally conductive interface between the intermediate ring compound (5) and the inner disc compound (2); and an interface compound (3) comprising a metallic or a semi-metallic material, wherein the interface compound is coupled to the intermediate ring compound (5) and the inner disc compound (2).