X-Ray Tube and Container Layout for Abnormal Discharge Suppression

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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 apparatus failure or shutdown, which is not effectively addressed by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray generation apparatus is designed with an insulating liquid-filled accommodating container that surrounds the X-ray generation tube, incorporating insulating members and X-ray shielding to prevent triboelectrification and abnormal discharge, and includes specific materials and configurations to manage charge distribution and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the accommodating container is filled with insulating liquid to ensure insulation between the X-ray generation tube and driving circuit, then insulating performance is improved, but abnormal discharge occurs between cathode and anode via the outer surface of insulating tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulating performanceVSAvoidabnormal discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating member is introduced as an intermediary component between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid. This insulating 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 of the liquid-filled container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of insulating liquid contact with the insulating tube (which causes triboelectrification and abnormal discharge) into a beneficial configuration where the insulating member is deliberately positioned to prevent this contact. The insulating liquid continues to provide insulation between the driving circuit and X-ray generation tube, but the harmful interaction with the insulating tube is eliminated through the intermediary insulating member.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Reliability

If the insulating tube is surrounded by insulating member to prevent triboelectrification, then abnormal discharge is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormal discharge suppressionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member is configured as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that closely fits around the insulating tube. This thin-film-like configuration provides the necessary insulation to prevent triboelectrification while minimizing the increase in device complexity and overall size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating member is nested within the accommodating container, forming a concentric arrangement where the insulating tube is surrounded by the insulating member, which in turn is surrounded by the insulating liquid-filled container. This nested configuration efficiently uses space and minimizes structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 abnormal discharge occurrences, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the X-ray generation apparatus by maintaining effective insulation and preventing electron avalanches.

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: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

an adhesion layer is provided between the outer surface of the insulating tube and the insulating member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

an X-ray shielding member extending from the anode toward the cathode so as to block X-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250351256A1X-ray generation apparatus and x-ray imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CANON ANELVA CORP

AI summary

X-ray generation apparatus includes X-ray generation tube, driving circuit, and accommodating container. The X-ray generation tube includes insulating tube with first and second opening ends, cathode closing the first opening end and having electron emitting portion, and anode closing the second opening end and having target. The accommodating container has third opening end, and the X-ray generation tube closes the third opening end. The accommodating container defines first space storing the driving circuit, and second space protruding from the first space and storing at least part of the X-ray generation tube. The accommodating container includes protrusion portion surrounding the second space, and one end of the second space forms the third opening end.