X-ray tube filament current control via iterative boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems face challenges in quickly switching between tube current values due to uncertainty in filament temperature at interruption points, leading to prolonged reaction times.
Innovation Solution
An iterative boosting/blanking process is applied to the filament in short time intervals, with the tube current determined after each interval and stored, allowing for immediate switch-over to a new value when the target current is reached, and enabling the process to be interrupted at any point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed boost time is applied for the entire duration, then the tube current can be maintained at the target value, but the reaction time when switching between tube current values is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boosting/blanking process into multiple short time intervals, applying the boosting/blanking current iteratively in steps rather than as a single continuous period. This segmentation allows the system to determine and store the tube current after each interval, enabling precise tracking of the filament temperature state and facilitating faster switching between different tube current values.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boosting/blanking process is interrupted, then flexibility in switching between tube current values is improved, but the filament temperature at the interruption point becomes unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the tube current is determined and stored after each short time interval of boosting/blanking current application. This feedback loop maintains accurate knowledge of the filament temperature state (represented by tube current) at any interruption point, allowing the process to be resumed or switched to a new target current value without losing information about the current filament state.
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 significantly reduces the reaction time of the X-ray tube by allowing immediate switch-over to a new tube current value, ensuring precise control and efficient operation even when the boosting/blanking process is interrupted.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube having a cathode which can be heated by the filament current
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray tube having a cathode which can be heated by the filament current
Data Source
AI summary
For boosting/blanking the filament current of a cathode of an X-ray tube the temporal variation of the tube current of the X-ray tube is measured and stored in a first memory. Then an iterative boosting/blanking is performed wherein the boosting/blanking current is applied to the filament for a short time interval (Δt), based on the stored temporal variation of the tube current the tube current after the short time interval (ΔT) is determined, and the tube current is stored in a second memory. Based on the stored temporal variation of the tube current it is determined if the tube current (IE) is less than a target value (IE2) thereof, and if so, the boosting/blanking current is applied to the filament for an additional time interval (Δt), else it is determined that the tube current (IE) is equal to the target value (IE2). Therefore, the tube current (IE) after each time interval (Δt) is known (may be determined from the tube current data stored in the second memory)such that the iterative boosting/blanking may be interrupted anytime.