Rotating Anode X-Ray Source With Integrated Rotor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray source devices require large installation space and increased weight due to external cooling facilities, which are inefficient and cumbersome, as they cannot be compactly integrated with other components.
Innovation Solution
A compact cooling system is implemented where a second rotor within the drive circulates coolant to efficiently cool the anode and drive, eliminating the need for external cooling components by integrating the cooling facility entirely within the device's housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external cooling facilities are used to cool the anode and drive, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but installation space requirement increases and device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling facility is merged with the drive unit by integrating the coolant circulation system within the drive housing. The second rotor serves dual functions: driving the anode rotation and circulating the coolant through integrated cooling channels, eliminating the need for separate external cooling components and reducing overall installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channels are nested within the drive structure itself, with coolant flow paths integrated into the stator and rotor components. The cooling facility is placed inside the drive housing, utilizing the existing structural space rather than requiring additional external volume.
2Temperature
If external cooling facilities with tubes are mounted outside the housing, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases and assembly work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling facility and drive unit are merged into a single integrated assembly. The coolant circulation system, including pumps and channels, is combined with the drive mechanics, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling facility is extracted from external mounting and repositioned within the drive housing. By relocating and integrating the cooling components internally, the need for external tube connections and separate mounting structures is eliminated, reducing device complexity.
3Temperature
If external cooling facilities are used, then cooling performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling facility components are merged with the drive manufacturing process. By integrating the coolant channels and circulation system into the drive housing and components, the number of separate parts requiring individual manufacturing and assembly is reduced, lowering overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive structure serves multiple functions: mechanical drive for anode rotation and thermal management through integrated cooling channels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate cooling components, reducing part count and manufacturing cost.
4Temperature
If a second rotor is added to the drive for coolant circulation, then cooling efficiency is improved, but drive complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second rotor for coolant circulation is merged with the drive structure, sharing the same magnetic field and stator as the first rotor. This integrated design allows both rotors to be driven by the same electromagnetic system, reducing the need for separate drive mechanisms and minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator and magnetic field system serve dual purposes: driving the first rotor for anode rotation and driving the second rotor for coolant circulation. This universal drive system reduces the number of separate components needed compared to using two independent motors.
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 significantly reduces installation space, weight, and complexity, while providing effective cooling and reducing costs by eliminating external cooling components and minimizing assembly work.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling facility for cooling the anode and/or the drive by way of a coolant
Implementation Method 2
a second rotor which is designed to circulate the coolant
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray source device includes an anode to generate X-rays; a drive to rotate the anode about an anode central axis, the drive including a stator and a first rotor, and the first rotor being rotationally fixed relative to the anode; and a cooling facility to cool at least one of the anode and the drive using a coolant. The drive includes a second rotor to circulate the coolant.