Twisted X-ray Shield for Vacuum Conductance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray shielding in high vacuum environments compromises vacuum conductance, leading to slower pump times and higher vacuum pressures due to the labyrinthine structure that blocks both x-rays and gas molecules, resulting in increased costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray shield formed from a twisted elongate member made of high atomic weight material, such as lead or sintered tungsten particles, is placed within the vacuum tube coupling a high vacuum chamber to a vacuum pump, which reduces x-ray transmission while maintaining high vacuum conductance by allowing gas molecules to flow more freely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional disc-based x-ray shielding is placed in the vacuum tube, then x-ray protection is improved, but vacuum conductance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple segments arranged in a spiral configuration rather than a single solid disc. This segmentation creates pathways for gas molecules to pass through while maintaining x-ray blocking capability, thus improving vacuum conductance without sacrificing radiation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from a two-dimensional disc structure to a three-dimensional spiral configuration. This dimensional change allows gas molecules to flow through the interstitial spaces between spiral arms while the high atomic weight material continues to block x-rays effectively.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional disc-based x-ray shielding is placed in the vacuum tube, then x-ray protection is improved, but pump-down time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shield into a spiral structure with gaps between arms, gas molecules can flow more freely during pumping operations. This reduces the time required to achieve vacuum conditions while the segmented high atomic weight material maintains adequate x-ray shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The spiral geometry changes the effective open area ratio and flow path characteristics compared to a solid disc. This parameter change optimizes the balance between radiation attenuation and gas flow conductance, reducing pump-down time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional disc-based x-ray shielding is placed in the vacuum tube, then x-ray protection is improved, but vacuum pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral segmentation creates multiple flow channels that reduce resistance to gas evacuation. This allows the system to achieve lower vacuum pressures more effectively, while the high atomic weight material in the spiral arms continues to provide necessary x-ray protection.
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 twisted x-ray shield design enhances vacuum conductance by up to 31% compared to traditional disc-based shielding, allowing for faster pump-down times and lower vacuum pressures without compromising x-ray protection.
Implementation Method 1
systems that generate and use x-rays require various types and quantities of shielding to limit or prevent exposure to humans and/or animals. The shielding usually includes strategically placed high atomic weight materials to absorb or block the radiation
Implementation Method 2
a higher vacuum pressure in the high vacuum chamber than with a good conductance towards it (in the molecular flow regime)
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray shield for improved vacuum conductivity is disclosed herein. An example x-ray shield includes at least one elongate member formed from high atomic weight material shaped into a twist with at least 180° of twist.