Rotating X-ray Anode Ground Structure for Fatigue Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating x-ray anodes experience fatigue and crack formation due to cyclical thermomechanical loading, leading to reduced dose yield and image quality, with existing solutions like defined slit structures being costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A rotating x-ray anode with an annular focal track featuring a directed ground structure, where the alignment of the ground structure is inclined between 15° and 90° relative to the tangential reference direction, promoting a smooth surface and uniform crack distribution, thereby reducing the formation of wide cracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a directed ground structure with inclination angle of 15° to 90° is applied to the focal track surface, then fatigue resistance is improved and wide crack formation is suppressed, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the specific grinding requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of ground structure alignment from the conventional tangential direction (0°) to an inclined direction ranging from 15° to 90° relative to the tangential reference direction. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stress distribution pattern under cyclical thermomechanical loading, preventing the formation of continuous wide cracks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard grinding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies a specific local quality to the focal track surface by creating a directed ground structure with controlled inclination angles. This local modification of surface geometry at the focal track region specifically addresses the fatigue problem where it occurs most severely, without requiring changes to the entire anode structure or other components.
2Productivity
If the ground structure alignment is set at 15° to 90° inclination, then dose yield is enhanced through reduced crack width, but surface processing time increases due to the non-standard grinding direction
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the ground structure inclination angle within the 15° to 90° range, the invention achieves a balance between dose yield improvement and processing efficiency. The specific angular range was selected to maximize the suppression of wide crack formation (which enhances dose yield) while remaining compatible with standard grinding process capabilities, thereby minimizing additional processing time.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional tangential ground structure (0° alignment) is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but macrocracks form on the focal track surface leading to reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention departs from the conventional 0° tangential alignment by introducing an inclination angle of 15° to 90° for the ground structure. This parameter change prevents the formation of continuous macrocrack networks that occur with tangential grinding, thereby improving surface integrity and image quality while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through standard grinding techniques.
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 solution effectively delays fatigue effects, enhances dose yield, and improves image quality by preventing wide radial cracks and promoting a fine network of microcracks, increasing the anode's load-bearing capacity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the cyclical thermomechanical loading at the focal spot (point of impingement of the electron beam on the rotating x-ray anode), cyclical compressive/tensile stresses occur in the region of the surface of the focal track
Implementation Method 2
A large part of the energy of the electron beam is converted into heat in the rotating x-ray anode
Implementation Method 3
Compressive stresses are in this case caused by expansion of the volume element exposed to the electron beam with respect to the comparatively colder surrounding area. Tensile stresses occur on account of the plastic deformation taking place at high temperatures and on account of the contraction of the previously strongly heated volume element
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating x-ray anode has an annular focal track. The surface of the focal track has a directed ground structure. Over the circumference of the annular focal track and over the radial extent of the focal track, the alignment of the ground structure is inclined relative to a tangential reference direction in the respective surface portion in each case by an angle that lies in the range from 15°, including, up to and including 90°. A corresponding method for producing a rotating x-ray anode is described.