Segmented Electron Emitter for Stable Rotary X-Ray Focal Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary piston X-ray tubes require complex and cost-intensive deflection units with quadrupole magnets to maintain a stationary focal spot, limiting flexibility in electron emission and increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A segmented electron emitter with field effect emission surfaces that can be rotated in pairs around a pivot point, reducing the need for additional deflection processes by activating specific segments for electron emission, allowing for flexible electron emission and potentially eliminating the need for complex deflection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional deflection units with quadrupole magnets are used to maintain a stationary focal spot, then the focal spot stability is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electron emitter surface is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. By selectively activating specific segments, the electron emission can be steered to different focal spots without requiring mechanical deflection units. This segmentation allows the focal spot position to be changed by controlling which segments are active, thereby maintaining focal spot stability while eliminating complex deflection machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical deflection system (quadrupole magnets and electromagnetic fields) with an electronic control system that activates specific segments of the electron emitter. Instead of using electromagnetic forces to deflect electrons mechanically, the system uses selective activation of emitter segments to direct electron beams, substituting a mechanical-deflection approach with an electronic-selection approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional deflection units are used to adjust focal spot position, then the focal spot positioning flexibility is improved, but the production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electron emitter is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions. Each segment can be activated or deactivated electronically to change the effective emission area and thus the focal spot position. This segmentation provides focal spot positioning flexibility without requiring expensive deflection units, as the positioning is achieved through electronic control of segment activation rather than mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electron emitter by selectively activating different segments. By varying which segments are active, the system can adjust the focal spot position and characteristics without physical movement or complex electromagnetic deflection. This parameter-based control reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning flexibility.
3Device complexity
If the entire rotary piston X-ray tube rotates with the anode, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the electron emission flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electron emitter is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the simple rotating structure while gaining emission flexibility through selective activation of different segments during rotation. The segmented design enables dynamic control of electron emission patterns without complicating the overall rotating tube structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the electron emitter segments during the rotation of the X-ray tube. By dynamically activating or deactivating specific segments at different rotational positions, the system achieves electron emission flexibility while maintaining the simple rotating structure. The dynamic segment control allows adaptation of emission characteristics without altering the fundamental rotating architecture.
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 solution enhances the flexibility of electron emission, reduces the complexity and cost of deflection systems, and maintains a stable focal spot, making the technology more suitable for medical imaging and materials testing.
Implementation Method 1
segmented emitter surface has a plurality of emitter needles and is designed to activate a subset of the segments of the segmented emitter surface as an activated emission surface for the field effect emission of electrons
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electron emitter for a rotary piston X-ray tube, a cathode for a rotary piston X-ray tube, a rotary piston X-ray tube, a rotary piston X-ray source, a method for emitting electrons by means of an electron emitter, and an associated computer program. The electron emitter according to the invention for a rotary piston X-ray tube has a segmented emitter surface, wherein the segmented emitter surface has a plurality of emitter needles and is configured to activate a subset of the segments of the segmented emitter surface as an activated emission surface for the field-effect emission of electrons from the activated emission surface such that activated emission surfaces can be rotated pairwise about a pivot point by changing the subset.