X-ray Generator Electron Field Emitter Array Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray generators face issues with current fluctuations in multiple electron emission sources, leading to variations in x-ray radiation signal output, which reduces the ability to determine fine detail in x-ray imaging modalities due to thermal noise, electrical noise, and other underlying phenomena.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray generator system comprising an array of electron field emitters, magnetic-field generators, and a sensing circuit that dynamically controls the activation of individual x-ray sources based on measured electrical charge, allowing for precise control of electron emitter operation to maintain consistent x-ray photon production without altering power supply to each emitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electron field emitters are operated simultaneously to generate x-ray photons, then x-ray imaging capability is improved, but current fluctuations cause variations in x-ray radiation signal output which reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensing circuit continuously monitors the electrical charge emitted by each electron field emitter in real-time. When the measured charge exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller automatically deactivates that emitter using a magnetic-field generator. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent x-ray radiation signal output by preventing over-emission from any single emitter, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high imaging capability and ensuring signal consistency.
2Quantity of substance
If the activation period of each x-ray source is extended to improve signal strength, then x-ray photon production increases, but current fluctuations amplify and reduce imaging precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic activation of electron field emitters rather than continuous operation. Each emitter is activated for a controlled duration until its emitted charge reaches a predetermined threshold, then deactivated. This periodic on-off cycling ensures that each emitter contributes a consistent quantity of x-ray photons without allowing current fluctuations to accumulate, thereby maintaining both high photon production and imaging precision.
3Measurement precision
If individual control of each electron emitter is implemented to reduce current fluctuations, then x-ray signal consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal controller that manages multiple electron field emitters through a standardized control protocol. The same sensing circuit and control algorithm are applied to each emitter, allowing individualized charge monitoring and threshold-based deactivation without requiring complex emitter-specific control mechanisms. This universal approach achieves precise individual control while minimizing overall system complexity.
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 system ensures consistent x-ray photon generation across all emitters, reducing current fluctuations and enhancing the ability to produce high-quality x-ray images by dynamically controlling the activation period of each emitter based on measured charge, thereby improving imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
an array of electron field emitters for producing paths of electrons
Implementation Method 2
an array of magnetic-field generators for affecting the paths of the produced electrons
Implementation Method 3
x-ray photons (bremsstrahlung) will be emitted simultaneously from multiple sites as electrons strike the target material
Data Source
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AI summary
To achieve high quality x-ray imaging, it is important to be able to control the production of x-rays in an x-ray generator. This is achieved by an x-ray generator comprising an array of electron field emitters for producing paths of electrons, target material comprising x-ray photon producing material configured to emit x-ray photons in response to the incidence of produced electrons upon it, an array of magnetic-field generators for affecting the paths of the produced electrons from the array of electron field emitters such that one or more paths are divertable away from the x-ray photon producing material so as to reduce the production of x-ray photons by the said one or more paths of electrons, the generator further comprising a sensing circuit arranged to measure the amount of electrical charge emitted by one or more electron emitter, and a controller for controlling the array of magnetic-field generators in response to the amount of electrical charge measured.