X-ray Generator Abnormal Discharge Detection and Notification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray generators fail to accurately detect and notify administrators of abnormal discharges occurring inside the tank but outside the X-ray tube, leading to inadequate maintenance and reduced inspection accuracy due to the assumption that the X-ray tube has reached its service life.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray generator with an abnormal discharge detection unit that distinguishes between discharges within the X-ray tube and those within the tank, and a notification control unit that outputs specific maintenance notifications based on these detections, ensuring timely replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If abnormal discharge detection is only performed inside the X-ray tube, then the detection system remains simple, but abnormal discharges outside the X-ray tube go undetected leading to inaccurate maintenance notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance notification accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into two independent detection paths: one for detecting abnormal discharges inside the X-ray tube and another for detecting abnormal discharges outside the X-ray tube but inside the tank. This segmentation allows the system to comprehensively monitor both locations without creating a single complex detection mechanism, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the X-ray tube service life is extended without accurate discharge detection, then productivity increases, but inspection accuracy deteriorates due to undetected abnormal discharges

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray tube service lifeVSAvoidinspection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where detection results from both internal and external discharge monitoring are fed back to the control unit. This feedback enables real-time assessment of X-ray tube condition, allowing the system to maintain high inspection accuracy throughout the extended service life by identifying when maintenance is actually needed based on actual discharge conditions rather than fixed time intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enhances the reliability of X-ray generators by accurately notifying administrators of maintenance needs, preventing the use of the X-ray generator beyond its service life and maintaining inspection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

abnormal discharge (discharge which can be an obstacle to inspection) may occur in the X-ray tube or in the tank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Discharge: Townsend Discharge

Implementation Method 2

electrons are emitted from the cathode electrode whereby the emitted electrons collide with the anode electrode to generate X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron emission and collision: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentEP3344017B1X-ray generator device and x-ray examination device
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP3344017B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3344017B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3344017B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a reliable X-ray generator and X-ray inspection apparatus. An inspection sorting apparatus (100) includes an X-ray tube (50) with an anode electrode (56) and a cathode electrode (57), a tank (53) housing the X-ray tube (50) and having insulation oil (61) contained therein, and the anode electrode (56) and the cathode electrode (57) are supplied with a predetermined voltage to generate X-ray. The inspection sorting apparatus (100) has an abnormal discharge determination unit (47), an LCD display (25), and a notification control unit (48). The abnormal discharge determination unit (47) individually detects a first abnormal discharge which is an abnormal discharge inside the X-ray tube (50), and a second abnormal discharge which is an abnormal discharge inside the tank (53) outside the X-ray tube (50). The LCD display (25) outputs notification information prompting an administrator to replace the X-ray tube (50) or the tank (53). The notification control unit (48) causes the LCD display (25) to output the notification information in accordance with a detection result from the abnormal discharge determining unit (47).