Spark Gap Vacuum Measurement for X-Ray Tube Cathode Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum electrode devices, such as X-ray tubes, face challenges in accurately measuring pressure within the housing without increasing complexity or damaging the cathode, which is crucial for maintaining device longevity and performance.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measurement system utilizing a spark gap device with an electrically conductive electrode and enclosure, where the electrode is negatively biased to ionize gas particles and create a measurable current, allowing for vacuum level detection without a separate pressure gauge or cathode involvement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stand-alone pressure gauge is built into the housing for pressure measurement, then pressure measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure measurement function with the existing cathode structure by using the cathode as one electrode of a spark gap device. This merging eliminates the need for a separate stand-alone pressure gauge, thereby maintaining measurement capability while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode serves dual purposes: it functions as the electron emission source for X-ray generation and simultaneously serves as an electrode for pressure measurement through the spark gap mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the cathode is used for pressure measurement by heating and ionization, then pressure measurement is achieved, but the cathode may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidcathode integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a separate electrode as an intermediary element for pressure measurement. This electrode acts as a sacrificial component that can be damaged or consumed during spark gap operation, thereby protecting the cathode from direct damage while still enabling pressure measurement functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement function is segmented from the cathode by introducing a separate electrode. The cathode and the measurement electrode are distinct components, allowing the measurement process to occur without directly affecting the cathode's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If gas molecules are present in the housing, then electrons can ionize gas molecules, but this prevents electrons from reaching the anode and damages the cathode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum level detectionVSAvoidcathode damage and performance degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful interaction between electrons and gas molecules into a beneficial measurement mechanism. The ionization of gas molecules, which normally causes cathode damage, is harnessed as the detection mechanism for vacuum level measurement through the spark gap device, allowing early detection of vacuum degradation before cathode damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Enables accurate vacuum level measurement within the housing, preventing cathode damage and allowing for safe operation and reuse of components, while simplifying the device structure and reducing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

ionizing gas particles that are drawn to a corresponding anode... The current produced by the ionized gas between the cathode and the anode can then be utilized to determine the gas pressure within the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas ionization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

When the voltage difference between the enclosure and the electrode or portion thereof exceeds the breakdown voltage of the gas particles present within the gap between the electrode and the enclosure, a spark forms which ionizes the gas particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical breakdown: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentUS10605687B2Spark gap device and method of measurement of X-ray tube vacuum pressure

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

In the present invention, a pressure measurement device for determining the vacuum level within the evacuated housing of a vacuum electrode device is provided that includes an electrically conductive enclosure secured to an interior surface of the housing, an electrically conductive electrode extending through an aperture in the housing, the electrode having a tip at one end positioned within the interior of the housing inside the enclosure to define a gap between the tip and the enclosure and a conductive lead at a second end disposed outside of the housing, and a voltage source connected to the conductive lead to supply a voltage potential to the tip of the electrode. A voltage difference produced between the electrode and the enclosure ionizes gas within the enclosure causing a measurable current to flow between the electrode and the enclosure which can be used to determine the vacuum level in the housing.