Segmented Field Emitter X-Ray Tube for Adjustable Stereo Focal Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray tube technologies for stereoscopic imaging are limited in adjusting the distance between focal points, which restricts the ability to produce images optimized for individual observers, as they can only adjust the distance within a small range, failing to utilize the spatial cognitive abilities effectively.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray tube design featuring a segmented field effect emitter with x-ray-transparent material, allowing for adjustable electron-emitting surfaces, and a control unit to set the distance between focal points, enabling flexible adjustment of the electron-emitting surface to accommodate varying eye distances and improve image optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate conventional rotary anodes are used to provide two focal points, then the spatial cognitive ability can be utilized, but the installation size becomes large and difficult to realize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate rotary anodes into a single rotary anode with two focal points. The anode disc contains two distinct focal points (first focal point and second focal point) that can be selectively activated, merging the functionality of two separate anodes into one compact unit while maintaining the capability to produce stereoscopic images.
Solution Approach 2:
The single rotary anode is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate x-ray radiation from either the first focal point or the second focal point, or both simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows the device to provide stereoscopic imaging capability without requiring separate dedicated anodes for each focal point.
2Area of stationary object
If a stationary anode x-ray tube is used to reduce installation space, then the installation space is reduced, but the power supply capability becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotary anode instead of a stationary anode. The rotation of the anode disc allows for dynamic heat dissipation and higher power handling capability. The anode rotates to distribute the heat load across different areas, enabling the compact stationary tube housing to deliver higher power without overheating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anode is tilted to improve the situation, then the focal points arrangement is improved, but the x-ray radiation-attenuating focal head lies in the radiation path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict by moving the focal head out of the radiation path through a different geometric arrangement. The focal head is positioned such that it does not interfere with the x-ray radiation paths from either focal point, eliminating the attenuation problem while maintaining the improved focal points arrangement.
4Device complexity
If a conventional x-ray tube with fixed focal point distance is used, then the structure is simple, but the distance between focal points cannot be adjusted to match individual observer eye distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable focal point distance through a positioning mechanism that allows the distance between the first focal point and the second focal point to be varied. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to different observer eye distances while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 solution allows for a larger range of focal point distance adjustment, enhancing the spatial cognitive ability by optimizing x-ray radiation generation for individual observers, improving the three-dimensional imaging experience in applications like angiography and computed tomography.
Implementation Method 1
an electron emitter apparatus in the x-ray tube housing, the electron emitter apparatus including a first field effect emitter with a first emitter surface and a second field effect emitter with a second emitter surface
Implementation Method 2
an anode unit in the x-ray tube housing, the anode unit configured to generate x-ray radiation for the stereoscopic imaging as a function of electrons striking two focal points
Implementation Method 3
the first emitter surface and the second emitter surface having a substantially x-ray-transparent material, at least one of the first emitter surface or the second emitter surface being segmented
Data Source
AI summary
Some example embodiments provide an x-ray tube for a stereoscopic imaging having an evacuated x-ray tube housing; an electron emitter apparatus in the x-ray tube housing, the electron emitter apparatus including a first field effect emitter with a first emitter surface and a second field effect emitter with a second emitter surface, at least one of the first emitter surface or the second emitter surface being segmented such that a portion of the at least one of the first emitter surface or the second emitter surface can be set relative to the respective overall emitter surface by selectively switching emitter segments of the at least one of the first emitter surface or the second emitter surface; an anode unit in the x-ray tube housing, the anode unit configured to generate x-ray radiation for the stereoscopic imaging as a function of electrons striking two focal points; and a control unit.