X-ray Generator Device Holder Thermal Expansion Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray generators face misalignment issues due to thermal expansion, leading to changes in the X-ray generation position and output intensity, particularly when using devices like poly-capillaries, which are not effectively addressed by current temperature control systems that increase system complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray generator design featuring a device holder with a fixed-base and a supporting extension that thermally expands in the same direction as the target unit, maintaining alignment between the X-ray generation position and the radiation area controller, using a cantilever-like structure to minimize positional changes during temperature fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If temperature control systems are used to suppress thermal expansion, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device holder is designed to utilize thermal expansion of its supporting components to automatically compensate for the thermal deformation of the anode. As the anode expands due to heating, the supporting structure of the device holder expands in a coordinated manner to maintain the relative positional relationship between the X-ray generation position and the radiation area controller, eliminating the need for active temperature control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

2Stability of the object's composition

If the X-ray radiation area controller is fixed to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but alignment is lost due to thermal expansion of the anode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device holder employs a dynamic supporting structure with extensions that can adaptively adjust to thermal expansion. The supporting extensions are designed with specific geometric configurations that allow them to expand and shift position in response to thermal changes, enabling the radiation area controller to maintain precise alignment with the moving X-ray generation position while remaining structurally integrated with the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration suppresses changes in relative position and output intensity, enabling high-precision fluorescent X-ray analysis with a simpler and more cost-effective setup by ensuring the X-ray radiation area controller remains aligned with the X-ray generation position despite thermal expansion.

Implementation Method 1

a supporting extension extending from the fixed-base in a protrusion direction of the target unit and supporting the X-ray radiation area controller... the supporting extension thermally expands in the same direction as the thermal expansion of the target unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3016482B1X-ray generator and fluorescent x-ray analyzer
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 HITACHI HIGH TECH SCIENCE CORP
  • EP3016482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3016482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3016482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an X-ray generator including an X-ray tube 2 radiating primary X-rays X1 to a specimen S, a housing 3 accommodating the X-ray tube 2, an X-ray radiation area controller 4 limiting the radiation area of the primary X-rays X1 from the X-ray tube 2 to the specimen S, and a device holder 5 holding the X-ray radiation area controller 4 with respect to the housing 3. The X-ray tube includes a case 6, an electron ray source 7 generating electron rays, and a target unit 8 having a base fixed to the case and receiving electron rays through a protruding free end. The device holder has a fixed-base 5a fixed to the housing, directly under the base of the target unit, and a supporting extension 5b extending from the fixed-base in the protrusion direction of the target unit and supporting the X-ray radiation area controller.