X-Ray Source Fault Diagnosis Using Target Current Reference Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray sources face high thermal load leading to thermally induced wear and reduced performance, necessitating time-consuming maintenance that disrupts operation.
Innovation Solution
Monitor the current absorbed by the target at a working region and a reference region, comparing these quantities to determine if the deviation is due to an electron beam fault or a target fault, thereby reducing unnecessary maintenance by moving the electron beam only when a deviation is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electron beam is moved from the working region to a reference region to diagnose faults, then the operational state can be accurately determined, but the downtime of the X-ray source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic actions by monitoring absorbed current at the working region and only moving the electron beam to the reference region when a deviation is detected. This preliminary monitoring approach allows the system to prepare for potential faults without immediately interrupting operation, thus reducing unnecessary downtime while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the absorbed current at the working region and comparing it against expected values. When a deviation is detected, the system provides feedback to trigger the electron beam movement to the reference region for further diagnosis. This feedback mechanism ensures that the electron beam is moved only when necessary, minimizing downtime while maintaining reliable fault detection.
2Reliability
If the electron beam is moved to the reference region on a periodic basis, then the operational state can be monitored, but the productivity of the X-ray source decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the absorbed current at the working region, but only triggers the electron beam movement to the reference region when a deviation is detected. This conditional periodic action allows the system to maintain operational state monitoring while avoiding unnecessary interruptions to productivity, as the electron beam remains at the working region during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks of the absorbed current during normal operation and only initiates the reference region measurement when a deviation is detected. This preliminary action approach ensures that periodic monitoring is performed efficiently, maintaining productivity by avoiding unnecessary electron beam movements while still providing reliable operational state monitoring.
3Reliability
If maintenance is performed by replacing the target, then the working region can be restored, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic measurements at the reference region to determine whether the fault lies with the electron beam or the target. This preliminary action allows the system to identify the root cause before initiating maintenance, preventing unnecessary target replacements and reducing maintenance time by avoiding redundant actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the reference region measurements to determine the appropriate maintenance action. If the reference region shows normal absorbed current, the feedback indicates the target is faulty and should be replaced. If the reference region shows abnormal current, the feedback indicates the electron beam is faulty and the target should not be replaced. This feedback mechanism prevents unnecessary maintenance actions and reduces overall maintenance time.
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 approach minimizes downtime by distinguishing between electron beam and target issues, allowing targeted maintenance and increasing uptime by reducing unnecessary moves to a reference region.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray radiation may be generated by an X-ray source in which an electron beam impacts upon a working region on a target
Implementation Method 2
a sensor arrangement for determining a first quantity indicative of a current absorbed by the target at a working region of the target
Data Source
AI summary
A method at an X-ray source is disclosed, the X-ray source comprising an electron source for providing an electron beam and a target comprising a first working region for generating X-ray radiation upon interaction with the electron beam. The method comprises determining a first quantity indicative of a current absorbed by the target at the first working region, and in response to the first quantity deviating from an expected value moving the electron beam from the first working region to a reference region, determining a second quantity indicative of a current absorbed at the reference region, and determining an operational state of the X-ray source based on the first quantity and the second quantity, wherein the operational state is an electron beam fault state or a target fault state.