Segmented Rotating Anode Structure for Lower Extrafocal X-Ray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray tubes with rotating anodes produce extrafocal X-ray radiation, which increases patient dose and reduces image quality due to artifacts like shadow flicker, despite efforts to mitigate this through filters and collimation.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray rotating anode design incorporates a carrier with two focal paths separated by an intermediate section, using a VPS coating method, allowing for reduced extrafocal X-ray radiation by energy displacement between the focal paths, and optionally employing filters like beryllium, titanium, or aluminum to further reduce this radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a rotating anode is used to distribute heat along a focal path, then heat dissipation is improved and higher dose rates can be achieved, but extrafocal X-ray radiation increases causing additional patient dose and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple focal paths (first focal path and second focal path) separated by an intermediate section. This segmentation allows electrons to be distributed across multiple focal areas, improving heat dissipation while the intermediate section acts as a barrier to reduce extrafocal radiation generation and propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section is extracted between the focal paths to specifically address the extrafocal radiation problem. This intermediate section removes or reduces the harmful extrafocal radiation generated in the region between focal paths, while preserving the beneficial heat distribution across multiple focal areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional filters and collimation are used to reduce extrafocal X-ray radiation, then image quality improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anode structure itself provides the radiation reduction function through its segmented design with an intermediate section. The anode serves dual purposes: heat distribution across focal paths and inherent reduction of extrafocal radiation, eliminating the need for separate filter and collimation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat dissipation function and extrafocal radiation reduction function are merged into a single anode structure. The intermediate section simultaneously serves as a thermal management element and a radiation reduction element, combining multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components.
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
Significantly reduces extrafocal X-ray radiation, enhancing image quality and minimizing artifacts, particularly shadow flicker, without additional hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the first focal path and/or the second focal path comprises tungsten and/or rhenium... the first focal path and/or the second focal path are embodied on the carrier via a VPS coating method
Implementation Method 2
Anodes are regularly mounted in a rotatable manner in order to distribute heat introduced into the anode along a focal path upon interaction between the electrons
Implementation Method 3
the first focal path and the second focal path are distanced from one another by an intermediate section in the carrier between the first focal path and the second focal path... Extrafocal X-ray radiation originates from scattered electrons and/or electrons reflected onto the anode
Data Source
AI summary
At least some example embodiments relate to an X-ray rotating anode, an X-ray tube and an X-ray emitter. The inventive X-ray rotating anode has a carrier including at least one of molybdenum or a molybdenum alloy; a first focal path on the carrier; and a second focal path on the carrier, wherein at least one of the first focal path or the second focal path comprises at least one of tungsten or rhenium, at least one of the first focal path or the second focal path are embodied on the carrier via a vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) coating method, and the first focal path and the second focal path are distanced from one another via an intermediate section in the carrier between the first focal path and the second focal path.