X-ray Tube Discharge Module for Soft Radiation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high voltage discharge modules for x-ray tubes suffer from inaccurate radiation control due to interference from external agents and restricted discharge current, and the anode and cathode discharge independently of earth, leading to undesirable soft radiation and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A discharge module with two independent circuits: a control and measurement circuit and a main discharge circuit, where the discharge current passes directly through thyristors, not their ports, and the anode and cathode discharge is made efficiently from each other, not to earth, allowing for more accurate radiation control and reduced soft radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional discharge modules are used with solid state switches (thyristors, triacs), then the discharge current is restricted to the port current that the switches can support, but this restriction prevents effective reduction of soft radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge module separates the mA measurement circuit from the discharge circuit into two independent circuits. The discharge circuit uses a dedicated discharge switch with sufficient current capacity to handle the full discharge current without being restricted by port current limitations of measurement switches, while the measurement circuit independently monitors the x-ray tube current.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device to couple the discharge circuit and measurement circuit. The current transformer allows the measurement circuit to accurately monitor discharge current without being directly exposed to high discharge currents, eliminating interference from external agents while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the control and mA measurement circuits are not independent, then the radiation control accuracy is reduced due to interference from external agents, but combining circuits simplifies the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge module separates the mA measurement circuit from the discharge circuit into two independent circuits. The discharge circuit uses a dedicated discharge switch with sufficient current capacity to handle the full discharge current without being restricted by port current limitations of measurement switches, while the measurement circuit independently monitors the x-ray tube current.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a current transformer as an intermediary device to couple the discharge circuit and measurement circuit. The current transformer allows the measurement circuit to accurately monitor discharge current without being directly exposed to high discharge currents, eliminating interference from external agents while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If anode and cathode discharge independently to earth, then the discharge depends on earth connection which may fail, but this configuration simplifies the discharge path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discharging to earth ground as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the discharge configuration by connecting the cathode to earth and discharging the anode to the cathode. This reversal eliminates dependence on earth connection reliability and creates a controlled discharge path that effectively reduces soft radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the earth connection dependency from the discharge path by making the cathode the reference ground and creating a self-contained discharge circuit between anode and cathode. This removes the vulnerability to earth connection failures while maintaining effective discharge functionality.
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 achieves precise radiation control and reduced soft radiation, ensuring better image quality and minimizing patient exposure by eliminating interference and increasing discharge efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge module comprising a first circuit of control and measurement of X-rays and a second circuit, which is a circuit for shorting of the charge formed by the X-ray tube itself and the high voltage capacities
Implementation Method 2
a main discharge circuit formed by a series arrangement of a discharge resistance and a succession of series thyristors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Discharge module which is formed by three circuits, a control and measurement circuit for X-rays, a voltage division circuit between serial switches, which is independent from the previous one, and a third circuit of the charge short circuit, which in turn is formed by a successive or slave trip circuit of the switches and another main discharge circuit through the switches; due to the established configuration, a much improved radiation control is achieved as it is not affected by unforeseen agents, the short circuit current is not restricted to the port current of the switches, and residual voltage of the switches is reduced.