X-ray Emitter Compressor Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray emitters with gaseous cooling mediums, such as air, achieve minimal heat dissipation due to external ventilator-based circulation, leading to complex designs and the continued use of oil cooling for more effective thermal management.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray emitter with an evacuated x-ray tube housing and a compressor for forced convection of a gaseous cooling medium, where the pressure ratio between the intake and pressure sides of the compressor is greater than 1.3, enhancing cooling efficiency without the need for liquid cooling mediums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a ventilator is used for cooling the x-ray tube with gaseous cooling medium, then the cooling system is simpler than liquid cooling, but the heat dissipation efficiency is minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a compressor instead of a ventilator to fundamentally alter the cooling mechanism. The compressor pressurizes the gaseous cooling medium (achieve pressure ratio greater than 1.3), transforming it into a high-velocity jet that actively impinges on the x-ray tube anode. This parameter change from low-pressure ventilation to high-pressure jet cooling dramatically improves heat dissipation efficiency while maintaining the simplicity of gaseous cooling systems.
2Loss of energy
If liquid cooling medium is used for cooling the x-ray tube, then the heat dissipation efficiency is high, but the weight and complexity of the system is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a compressor to pressurize and circulate a gaseous cooling medium instead of using liquid cooling. The compressed gas jet directly impinges on the anode surface to remove heat. This approach achieves heat dissipation efficiency comparable to liquid cooling while avoiding the weight and complexity associated with liquid cooling systems, including eliminating the need for heavy heat exchangers, pipes, and couplings.
3Loss of energy
If liquid cooling medium is used for cooling the x-ray tube, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the disposal issues and environmental concerns are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert atmosphere approach by using a gaseous cooling medium (such as air or inert gas) instead of liquid cooling agents. The compressed gas circulates through the cooling system and can be safely discharged into the environment without contamination or disposal concerns. This eliminates the environmental and disposal issues associated with liquid cooling mediums while maintaining effective cooling performance.
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 results in a weight reduction of over 10% compared to liquid cooling systems, reduced x-ray scattering for improved image quality, and eliminates the disposal issues associated with liquid cooling mediums, enabling continuous operation in medical and non-medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a compressor for a forced convection of the gaseous cooling medium for cooling the x-ray tube
Implementation Method 2
a pressure ratio between the intake side and pressure side of the compressor is greater than 1.3
Implementation Method 3
an anode for generating x-rays as a function of the electrons
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray emitter includes an x-ray tube and an x-ray emitter housing. In an embodiment, the x-ray tube includes an evacuated x-ray tube housing, a cathode for emitting electrons and an anode for generating x-rays as a function of the electrons. Further, in an embodiment, the x-ray emitter housing includes the x-ray tube and outside of the x-ray tube, a gaseous cooling medium. In an embodiment, the x-ray emitter further includes a compressor for a forced convection of the gaseous cooling medium for cooling the x-ray tube, a pressure ratio between the intake side and pressure side of the compressor being greater than 1.3.