Vacuum Closed Tube X-Ray Source Nano-Focal Spot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nano-focus CT systems require large and complex vacuum pumping systems, which complicate maintenance and limit the miniaturization of X-ray sources due to vibration sensitivity, making it difficult to achieve nanometer-scale focal spots for effective microstructure analysis.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum closed tube X-ray source design that eliminates the need for a vacuum pumping system, utilizing a high voltage connection module, magnetic lens system, and insulation spacers to focus electrons to a nano-scale without external vacuum pumping, allowing for improved insulation and easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an open-type X-ray tube with a vacuum pumping system is used, then thermal electron emission can be achieved, but the system becomes huge and complex due to the pump and vibration reduction device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the vacuum pumping system from the X-ray tube structure, transitioning from an open-type tube requiring external vacuum pumps to a closed-type tube with integrated vacuum sealing. This eliminates the need for external pump systems and vibration reduction devices, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving stable electron emission and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vacuum sealing function into the tube structure itself by using a closed-type design where the vacuum environment is maintained within the sealed tube housing. This integration eliminates the need for separate vacuum pumping systems and external vibration reduction mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining electron emission stability.
2Reliability
If a vacuum pumping system is used, then electron beam generation is enabled, but maintenance and repair become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the vacuum pumping system and transitioning to a closed-type tube design, the patent eliminates the complex vacuum maintenance requirements. The sealed structure allows the tube to be replaced as a modular unit without requiring vacuum pump maintenance, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining electron beam generation capability.
3Measurement precision
If the tube is fixed on a heavy object for vibration reduction, then X-ray image quality improves, but the nano-focus CT system becomes huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for heavy vibration reduction fixtures by eliminating the vacuum pumping system that caused vibrations in the first place. The closed-type tube design inherently reduces vibration sources, allowing for smaller, lighter mounting structures while maintaining X-ray image quality.
4Reliability
If insulation spacers are used in the vacuum closed tube, then insulation properties improve, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation spacers in the closed-type tube serve multiple functions: they provide electrical insulation between high-voltage components, maintain structural integrity within the vacuum environment, and support positioning of internal tube elements. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements while improving overall reliability.
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 the generation of X-rays with nano-scale focal spots without the need for complex vacuum systems, enhancing the miniaturization and maintenance of CT systems while maintaining high voltage insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
an electron beam emitted from an electron emission source of high luminance may be collided with a transmissive anode target through the focusing of a magnetic lens
Implementation Method 2
an electron beam emitted from an electron emission source of high luminance
Implementation Method 3
is often accelerated commonly by 100 kV or more and then collides with a transmissive anode to generate an X-ray
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an X-ray source including a vacuum closed tube. The X-ray source includes a high voltage connection module, a tube module, and a magnetic lens system into which the tube module is inserted. The tube module includes a vacuum closed tube. The vacuum closed tube includes a cathode electrode provided at one end thereof, a nano-emitter on the cathode electrode, an anode electrode provided at the other end, and a first insulation spacer provided between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode. In addition, the vacuum closed tube includes a first conductive tube and a second conductive tube both provided between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode and separated from each other by the first insulation spacer, and a first collimator block covering an inner surface of the first insulation spacer and having a first opening.