X-ray tube emitter with zigzag current path and rib portions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoelectron emitters face reliability issues due to thermal stress-induced deformation and strength reduction, leading to abnormal electron emission properties and potential damage from thermal expansion.

Innovation Solution

The emitter design includes a base portion with an electron emission surface, leg portions for voltage application, and rib portions formed by bending the edge of the base portion opposite to the emission surface, which increases strength and reduces thermal deformation by controlling heat and current flow through strategically placed through holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the temperature of the electron emission surface is increased to enhance thermoelectron emission, then electron emission property is improved, but thermal stress-induced deformation and strength reduction occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter reliabilityVSAvoidemitter strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The emitter is segmented into a base portion and multiple rib portions that are spaced apart from each other. The rib portions are formed by bending edges of the base portion, creating a segmented structure that distributes thermal stress across multiple regions rather than concentrating it in one area, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining electron emission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rib portions are strategically positioned at specific locations on the emitter structure where thermal stress concentration is most likely to occur. These rib portions provide localized reinforcement exactly where needed, strengthening the emitter against thermal deformation without adding unnecessary material or complexity to the entire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the temperature of the electron emission surface is increased to enhance thermoelectron emission, then electron emission property is improved, but thermal deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter reliabilityVSAvoidemitter shape stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The emitter employs a composite structure combining the base portion with multiple rib portions made from the same material but arranged in a specific configuration. This composite arrangement creates a structure that inherently resists thermal deformation through its geometry, maintaining shape stability under high temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If rib portions are added to increase strength and reduce deformation, then emitter reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter reliabilityVSAvoidemitter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rib portions are formed by bending edges of the base portion itself, merging the reinforcement structure with the existing emitter material rather than adding separate components. This integration approach strengthens the emitter while avoiding the complexity of assembling multiple independent parts, maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as structural reinforcement to prevent thermal deformation, provide additional pathways for heat dissipation, and maintain the overall geometric integrity of the emitter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 enhances the emitter's reliability by maintaining shape, preventing deformation and abnormal electron emission, and reducing the risk of damage from thermal stress and vibrations, while allowing efficient heat generation for thermoelectron emission.

Implementation Method 1

a base portion (15) having an electron emission surface (13) from which thermoelectrons are emitted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10593508B2Emitter including a zigzag current path and rib portions, and X-ray tube

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 CANON ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO LTD

AI summary

According to one embodiment, an emitter comprise a base portion including an electron emission surface from which electrons are emitted, a pair of leg portions applying a voltage to the electron emission surface, and a rib portion formed by bending an edge of the base portion to a side opposite to the electron emission surface, on at least a part of an outline of the electron emission surface.