X-Ray Tube Cathode Covering to Suppress Abnormal Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Abnormal discharge occurs between the cathode and anode of an X-ray generation tube via the outer surface of an insulating tube, leading to potential failure of the X-ray generation apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray generation apparatus is designed with an insulating tube surrounded by a member, and an accommodating container filled with insulating liquid, where the outer surface of the cathode and insulating tube is covered by a member made of specific materials to prevent triboelectrification and reduce abnormal discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insulating tube is surrounded by insulating liquid, then the insulating performance is improved, but abnormal discharge occurs via the outer surface of the insulating tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating performanceVSAvoidabnormal discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A covering member is introduced as an intermediary layer between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid. This member prevents direct contact between the insulating liquid and the outer surface of the insulating tube, thereby eliminating the triboelectrification that causes abnormal discharge while maintaining the insulating performance provided by the liquid medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful triboelectrification effect into a beneficial configuration by strategically placing the covering member. The insulating liquid still provides insulation and cooling benefits, but the covering member prevents it from causing discharge by blocking the charge transfer path at the interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the insulating liquid contacts the insulating tube, then insulation is provided, but triboelectrification causes abnormal discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinsulationVSAvoidtriboelectrification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The covering member serves as a mediator that allows the insulating liquid to maintain its insulating function while preventing the harmful triboelectrification effect. By placing this intermediate layer, the system preserves the beneficial insulation property while eliminating the charge generation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the cathode and anode are positioned close for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but abnormal discharge risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidabnormal discharge risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The covering member acts as an protective intermediary that enables compact positioning of the cathode and anode without increasing abnormal discharge risk. By preventing charge accumulation on the insulating tube surface, it allows closer component placement while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 suppresses abnormal discharge, enhancing the insulating performance and extending the life of the X-ray generation apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the accommodating container is filled with an insulating liquid, and the insulating liquid ensures insulating performance between the X-ray generation tube and the tube driving circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

an insulating tube with a first opening end and a second opening end... the insulating tube surrounds the side surface of the cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

at least the entire side surface of the outer surface is surrounded by a member... to prevent triboelectrification and reduce abnormal discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectrification prevention: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

an anode arranged to close the second opening end and including a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 5

a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron collision: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentEP4657996A1X-ray generation device and x-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 CANON ANELVA CORP
  • EP4657996A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657996A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657996A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray generation apparatus includes: an X-ray generation tube including an insulating tube with a first opening end and a second opening end, a cathode arranged to close the first opening end of the insulating tube and including an electron emitting portion, and an anode arranged to close the second opening end and including a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide; and an accommodating container configured to accommodate the X-ray generation tube, wherein the accommodating container has a third opening end, and the X-ray generation tube is arranged to close the third opening end, the accommodating container is filled with an insulating liquid, an outer surface of the cathode includes a cylindrical side surface and a circular bottom surface, and at least the entire side surface of the outer surface is surrounded by a member.