Tungsten Oxide Coated X-ray Tube Frame Heat Dissipation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional x-ray imaging systems face challenges with high operating temperatures in x-ray tubes, leading to reduced efficiency and lifespan due to inadequate heat transfer and the need for additional cooling and radiation shielding, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A plasma-sprayed tungsten oxide coating is applied to the inner surface of the x-ray tube frame and anode assembly, enhancing radiative heat transfer and providing improved emissivity, thereby reducing peak temperatures and extending component life while offering sufficient radiation shielding without the use of lead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional x-ray tube components are used without special coatings, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but heat transfer is insufficient and peak temperatures are high, reducing component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies tungsten oxide coating to the x-ray tube frame and anode assembly, fundamentally changing the surface properties and emissivity parameters of these components. This parameter change enables significantly improved radiative heat transfer, reducing peak temperatures and extending component lifespan without requiring complex active cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The tungsten oxide coating enables the x-ray tube components to self-regulate their temperature through enhanced radiative heat transfer. The coating inherently provides both heat dissipation and radiation shielding functions, allowing the system to manage its own thermal conditions without external intervention or additional complex cooling mechanisms
2Reliability
If additional cooling systems and radiation shielding are added to reduce heat and improve safety, then component lifespan and safety improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tungsten oxide coating performs multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances radiative heat transfer to reduce peak temperatures, provides radiation shielding to improve safety, and extends component lifespan. This multi-functional coating eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and radiation shielding components, maintaining system reliability while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of heat dissipation and radiation shielding into a single tungsten oxide coating layer applied to the x-ray tube frame and anode assembly. This consolidation of multiple protective functions into one integrated solution improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems
3Temperature
If the anode disk is rotated at high speeds to distribute heat, then peak temperature at focal spot is reduced, but heat is still generated in the anode and other components requiring continuous removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation in the anode assembly into a beneficial radiative heat transfer process. The tungsten oxide coating transforms the thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted or cause damage into useful radiative heat transfer to the x-ray tube frame, which then dissipates this heat to the surrounding environment, turning the heat problem into an efficient thermal management solution
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 coating significantly reduces maximum component temperatures, increases the lifespan of x-ray tube components, and enhances performance by improving heat transfer and radiation shielding, thus optimizing x-ray tube efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The coating applied to the x-ray tube frame inner surface and anode assembly improves the emissivity of those surfaces, which improves the radiative heat transfer from a high temperature source (i.e., anode assembly) to a low temperature sink (i.e., x-ray tube frame)
Implementation Method 2
a plasma-sprayed tungsten oxide coating formed on an inner surface of the x-ray tube frame and on the anode assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray tube having a coated x-ray tube frame inner surface and a coated anode assembly is provided. The x-ray tube includes an x-ray tube frame in which an anode assembly is disposed therein. A cathode assembly is also disposed within the x-ray tube frame that emits an electron beam to strike a target surface of the anode assembly and form x-rays. A plasma-sprayed tungsten oxide coating is formed on an inner surface of the x-ray tube frame and on the anode assembly to dissipate heat created by the electron beam.