X-Ray Anode Track Element Phase Transition Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray devices face overheating issues due to heat generated during x-ray production, leading to anode damage, cracks, and reduced x-ray emission efficiency, as the anode's heat dissipation mechanisms are inadequate, resulting in permanent damage and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a track element in the anode that transitions from a solid to a liquid or vapor phase in response to heat, allowing for efficient heat distribution across the anode, preventing damage and maintaining a smooth surface for continued x-ray production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the anode is rotated at high angular velocities to move the focal track, then heat is dissipated through radiant heat transfer, but heat builds up in the anode is frequently greater than the amount of heat dissipated, resulting in overheating and permanent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions by incorporating a phase change material (PCM) into the anode structure. The PCM absorbs excessive heat by transitioning from solid to liquid phase, thereby preventing overheating and thermal damage to the anode. This directly addresses the contradiction by providing an additional heat dissipation mechanism that operates independently of anode rotation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material acts as an intermediary between the focal track and the anode body. It absorbs and stores thermal energy that would otherwise accumulate in the anode, mediating the heat transfer process and preventing direct thermal damage to the anode structure while maintaining operational reliability.
2Power
If the anode is over-heated to generate sufficient x-rays, then x-ray emission is maintained, but cracks or pits are formed on the outer surface of the anode, resulting in reduction in x-ray emission and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material absorbs excess thermal energy through phase transition, preventing the temperature from reaching levels that would cause surface cracking or pitting. This maintains the structural integrity and smooth surface of the anode, ensuring consistent x-ray emission efficiency over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change material provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing thermal energy before it can cause damage. By being positioned in the anode structure in advance, it creates a thermal buffer that protects the focal track and surface from overheating-induced damage, maintaining surface precision and x-ray emission quality.
3Device complexity
If conventional heat dissipation methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the heat generated during x-ray production is not effectively distributed, leading to anode damage and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides an passive heat distribution mechanism that enhances thermal management without requiring complex active cooling systems. The PCM absorbs heat through phase transition and distributes it throughout its volume, improving heat distribution effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple system structure.
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 distributes heat generated during x-ray production, preventing anode damage and maintaining x-ray emission efficiency by ensuring the anode remains free from cracks and pits, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the x-ray device.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the track element is configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase based on heat generated in at least a portion of the track element
Implementation Method 2
at least the portion of the track element is configured to distribute the generated heat across the anode
Implementation Method 3
The cathode emits electrons that impinge on the focal track of the anode to generate the x-rays
Implementation Method 4
the track element is configured to generate x-rays in response to the emitted electron beam impinging on a focal spot on the track element
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray device is presented. The x-ray device includes a cathode configured to emit an electron beam. Also, the x-ray device includes an anode configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the x-ray device and positioned to receive the emitted electron beam, where the anode includes a target element disposed on an anode surface of the anode and a track element embedded in the target element, where the track element is configured to generate x-rays in response to the emitted electron beam impinging on a focal spot on the track element, where at least a portion of the track element is configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase based on heat generated in at least a portion of the track element, and where at least the portion of the track element is configured to distribute the generated heat across the anode.