Transmission Anode X-Ray Device Beam Path Simplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing x-ray devices have complex beamlines that result in small angles of incidence and reduced x-ray radiation intensity, along with heating issues due to misdirected photons, complicating the application of x-ray radiation.

Innovation Solution

An x-ray device design where the anode produces x-ray radiation in transmission and is arranged between the cathode and converter, simplifying the beam path and incorporating a transmission body transparent to x-rays for heat dissipation, along with a cooling device to enhance the device's functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the x-ray radiation is directed from the anode to the converter through complex beamlines, then the x-ray device can convert polychromatic x-ray radiation into characteristic monochromatic radiation, but the angles of incidence become small and the intensity of radiation is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonochromatic radiation qualityVSAvoidx-ray radiation intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional beamline arrangement by placing the converter directly adjacent to the anode target, eliminating the need for complex intermediate beamlines. This reversal of the traditional sequence allows x-ray radiation to travel a minimal distance from the anode to the converter, maintaining high intensity while achieving monochromatic conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the complex beamline components from the system by implementing direct coupling between the anode and converter. This extraction eliminates unnecessary intermediate elements that cause small angles of incidence and intensity loss, while preserving the essential function of monochromatic radiation generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If complex beamlines are used to direct x-ray radiation from the anode to the converter, then monochromatic radiation can be produced, but other components are heated by x-ray photons not directed towards the point of application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonochromatic radiation qualityVSAvoidcomponent heating
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the conventional design and placing the converter immediately adjacent to the anode, the patent creates a compact configuration where x-ray photons are converted to monochromatic radiation before traveling through the device. This eliminates the problem of photons heating other components along a long beam path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of x-ray photons traveling through the device and heating components into a beneficial arrangement by placing the converter at the source. The conversion of polychromatic to monochromatic radiation occurs at the origin, transforming what would be a source of heating problems into the solution that prevents heating issues.

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

3Device complexity

If the anode is arranged between the cathode and converter with direct transmission, then the beam path is simplified and radiation intensity is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeamline complexityVSAvoidanode heating
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anode and converter into a closely integrated assembly, eliminating complex beamlines while creating a compact configuration that facilitates heat management. The direct coupling allows for combined thermal management strategies where the converter's proximity to the anode enables efficient heat dissipation pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies the x-ray beam path, improves radiation intensity, and extends the lifespan of components by effective heat dissipation, allowing for more efficient and reliable x-ray radiation application.

Implementation Method 1

a cathode (3) arranged inside the housing (2) and configured to emit electrons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 2

an anode (4) arranged inside the housing (2) and configured to produce x-ray radiation when impacted by electrons emitted by the cathode (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBremsstrahlung:

Implementation Method 3

a converter (5) arranged inside the housing (2) and configured to convert the x-ray radiation produced by the anode (4) into monochromatic x-ray radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharacteristic radiation:

Data Source

PatentUS11075052B2X-ray device and method of applying x-ray radiation
Publication Date: 2021.07.27 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US11075052B2 patent drawing
  • US11075052B2 patent drawing
  • US11075052B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an x-ray device including a housing configured to provide a vacuum therein, a cathode arranged inside the housing and configured to emit electrons, an anode arranged inside the housing and configured to produce x-ray radiation when impacted by electrons emitted by the cathode, and a converter configured to convert the x-ray radiation produced by the anode into monochromatic x-ray radiation, wherein the anode is configured to produce x-ray radiation in transmission and is arranged between the cathode and the converter. The present disclosure may be used in medical imaging, therapy, spectroscopy, and the like. Geometries and configurations may be improved compared to previously known x-ray devices when it comes to requirements for space, materials used, complexity of electrical wiring, distance between cathode and anode, and providing supplementary functions.