X-ray Anode Linear Extension with Refractory Metal Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray anodes face challenges in achieving high-resolution, high-energy performance with complex constructions, mechanical noise, and risk of focal path coating bending or tearing due to thermal expansion mismatches, especially in applications like computer tomographs and baggage scanners.
Innovation Solution
An anode with a linear main extension direction featuring a soldered connection between the anode body and focal path coating, utilizing refractory metals like tungsten or molybdenum for the coating and body, with integrated cooling channels to minimize thermal expansion differences and enhance mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear extension anode with long focal path is used, then the number of mechanically moving parts is reduced, but the focal path coating is at risk of bending or tearing due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the anode body from traditional copper to refractory metals (tungsten, molybdenum) which have thermal expansion coefficients matching the focal path coating materials. This parameter change eliminates thermal expansion mismatches that cause bending and tearing of the focal path coating during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the anode body is made of refractory metals and the focal path coating is applied as a separate layer. This composite structure allows each material to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility through matched thermal expansion properties, preventing delamination and structural failure.
2Loss of energy
If traditional copper anode material is used, then heat conduction is improved, but the anode is not suitable for high power requirements due to thermal expansion mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the material parameter from copper to refractory metals, accepting reduced thermal conductivity in exchange for matched thermal expansion coefficients. This parameter trade-off resolves the contradiction by prioritizing structural integrity under thermal stress while maintaining adequate heat management through alternative design considerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of refractory metal anode body with focal path coating creates a material system where the base material provides thermal stability and the coating provides surface functionality. This composite approach allows optimization of each layer's properties for its specific role in heat management and structural integrity.
3Length of stationary object
If multiple short focal path segments are used to achieve long focal paths, then manufacturing complexity increases and focal path spots cannot be placed arbitrarily
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the material parameter to refractory metals with matched thermal expansion coefficients, the patent enables the fabrication of long continuous focal paths without the need for segmentation. This material parameter change eliminates the manufacturing complexity associated with assembling multiple segments while maintaining arbitrary focal spot placement capability.
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 allows for longer focal paths with reduced risk of bending or tearing, achieving high mechanical stability and cost-effectiveness while maintaining low thermal expansion differences, enabling the production of anodes with focal path coatings several meters long.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cooling channel for cooling the anode body and the focal path coating is arranged inside the anode body
Implementation Method 2
a focal path coating, which is connected to the anode body in a material-to-material manner via a soldered connection
Implementation Method 3
the focal path coating volume section consists of a material with at least one base matrix of refractory metal... with low thermal expansion differences
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an anode (10) having a linear main extension direction for an X-ray apparatus, comprising an anode body (20) and a focal track layer (30) that is integrally bonded with the anode body (20) at a focal track layer-volume section (22) of the anode body (20), characterised in that at least one cooling channel (40) for cooling the anode body (20) and the focal track layer (30) is arranged inside the anode body (20) and at least the focal track layer-volume section (22) consists of a material having at least one main matrix of high-melting metal, and in that the focal track layer-volume section (22) extends up to the cooling channel (40).