Single-Electron X-Ray Tube with Multi-Target Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray tubes face challenges in multi-source expansion due to limited space utilization and poor expandability, particularly in CT imaging applications, where a one-to-one correspondence between electron sources and anode target surfaces restricts flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single-electron source X-ray tube design with multiple anode target surfaces and adjustable grid voltages controls electron paths to enable flexible and controlled X-ray generation, utilizing a single electron source to drive multiple target surfaces, and a clamping mechanism for stable fixation within the tube core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional X-ray tube employs a design of one-to-one correspondence between an electron source and an anode target surface, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the occupied space range is large and expandability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple anode target surfaces (at least two) with a single electron source, allowing the X-ray tube to generate X-rays in multiple directions simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the overall tube size and improves space utilization while enabling multi-source functionality without requiring multiple separate electron sources
Solution Approach 2:
The single electron source is designed to serve multiple anode target surfaces, making it a universal component that can generate X-rays in multiple directions. This multi-functional design allows the same electron source to fulfill multiple exposure functions, improving adaptability and expandability for CT imaging applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electron sources are used to achieve multi-source distribution, then the X-ray coverage is improved, but the space occupation increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple anode target surfaces with a single electron source, reducing the number of electron sources from multiple to one. This merging approach maintains multi-source X-ray distribution capability while significantly simplifying the overall tube structure and reducing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more electron sources in the same spatial dimension (which increases complexity), the patent utilizes the spatial dimension by configuring multiple anode target surfaces at different orientations around the single electron source. This dimensional arrangement achieves multi-source distribution without proportionally increasing structural complexity
3Volume of stationary object
If a single electron source drives multiple anode target surfaces, then space utilization is improved and expandability is enhanced, but control precision of electron paths becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grids as intermediary components between the electron source and the anode target surfaces. These grids act as mediators that can precisely control and deflect electron paths toward different target surfaces, enabling independent control of each X-ray source despite sharing a common electron source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable grids that can adjust their electrical potential to dynamically steer electron beams. This dynamic control mechanism allows precise real-time adjustment of electron paths, enabling accurate control of which anode target surface receives electrons and generates X-rays at any given moment
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
Enhances space utilization, improves controllability of X-ray exposure, and allows for adaptive multi-source distribution, reducing ineffective doses and eliminating cone-beam artifacts in CT devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrons are accelerated by an electron source located at a cathode under a high-voltage electric field between the cathode and an anode, and then bombard an anode target surface at a high velocity, causing braking radiation to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a grid voltage is applied to the grid to control a deflection electric field to control the on-off and flow direction of an electron current directed towards the anode target surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A single-electron-source X-ray tube (100), an X-ray tube assembly and a corresponding CT device. The X-ray tube (100) comprises a single electron source (3) and at least two anode target surfaces (1, 5), wherein the single electron source (3) is fixed onto the middle of a die structure (10) of the X-ray tube (100), and two exposure windows are symmetrically arranged on two ends of the X-ray tube (100) and respectively correspond to the at least two anode target surfaces (1, 5); at least two gate electrodes (2, 4) are respectively arranged on electron motion paths of the single electron source (3) that faces the anode target surfaces (1, 5); gate voltages are applied to the gate electrodes (2, 4) to control the deflection of an electric field, such that the continuity and flow direction of electron streams emitted to the anode target surfaces (1, 5) are controlled, thereby realizing the output control over X-rays. The single-electron-source X-ray tube (100) solves the problem of expansion being limited by factors such as a space utilization rate and a connection mode during performing multi-source expansion on an existing X-ray tube, and improves the controllability of exposure actions for two target surfaces during an exposure process. In addition, the CT device which uses the single-electron-source X-ray tube (100) can expand the coverage range of X-rays, thereby facilitating the elimination of conical-angle artifact.