X-ray tube filament joint stability via support terminal protrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray tubes, the filament of the cathode is prone to displacement due to the weakening of the joint between the filament and the support terminal, leading to misalignment of the electron focus and potential contact with the cathode cup, which can disrupt electron emission.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a support terminal with a gap and a protruding portion that is joined to the corner of the leg portion of the filament, using resistance welding to ensure a strong and stable connection, preventing displacement and maintaining electron emission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the filament is repeatedly heated for electron emission, then electron emission function is maintained, but the joint strength between filament and support terminal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a protruding portion on the support terminal before the filament is installed. This protruding portion is positioned to contact the corner portion of the filament's leg portion, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents filament displacement before heating cycles begin. The protruding portion acts as a pre-positioned constraint that maintains joint integrity throughout repeated heating operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the filament joint is made stronger to prevent displacement, then filament stability is improved, but the complexity of the support terminal structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support terminal is segmented into distinct functional portions: a body portion that provides electrical support and a protruding portion that provides mechanical constraint. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently - the protruding portion prevents filament displacement through geometric constraint, while the body portion maintains electrical connectivity, thereby improving filament stability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding portion is strategically positioned to contact only the corner portion of the filament's leg portion, applying local quality by concentrating the constraint function at a specific location rather than requiring complex overall restructuring. This localized approach maintains simplicity while achieving enhanced stability.
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 effectively prevents filament displacement and contact with the cathode cup, ensuring consistent electron emission and extending the lifespan of the X-ray tube by maintaining a secure joint between the filament and the support terminal.
Implementation Method 1
The filament is heated by heat generated by a flowing current and emits electrons (thermoelectrons) to the anode target
Implementation Method 2
The filament is heated by heat generated by a flowing current and emits electrons (thermoelectrons) to the anode target
Implementation Method 3
The support terminal comprises a protruding portion protruding in the gap, being located more closely to the bottom portion side than the distal portion, and being joined to the corner portion of the leg portion
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube, including a cathode including a filament including a leg portion extending from a coil to a distal portion and including a corner portion at the distal portion, a support terminal including a gap, and including an opening portion in which the gap is opened and a bottom portion located on a side opposite to the opening portion, and a cathode cup being connected to the support terminal, the distal portion being located in the gap, the support terminal including a protruding portion protruding in the gap, being located more closely to the bottom portion side than the distal portion, and being joined to the corner portion of the leg portion.