X-ray Generator Magnetic Electron Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray generators face challenges in controlling electron current and x-ray flux, particularly in large arrays, due to limitations with high voltage switching, which can lead to impractical and costly solutions, arcing, and reduced current density.
Innovation Solution
The use of energisable solenoid coils adjacent to electron field emitters allows for selective control of x-ray emission by deflecting or defocusing electrons onto high or low atomic number materials, enabling individual activation of x-ray sources without relying on high voltage switching, and synchronizing the activation sequence with detecting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage switching is used to control electron current and x-ray flux, then x-ray emission can be controlled, but arcing and breakdown occur and current density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism to control electron trajectories. Instead of directly switching high voltage to control x-ray emission, magnetic fields are used to deflect electrons away from or toward the target material, thereby controlling x-ray flux without the harmful effects of high voltage switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical high voltage switching system with a magnetic field-based control system. By using solenoid coils to generate magnetic fields, the control of electron current is achieved through electromagnetic interaction rather than direct electrical switching, eliminating arcing and breakdown.
2Reliability
If high voltage switching is used to control electron current, then x-ray flux can be controlled, but current density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary that can modulate electron current without the disruptive effects of high voltage switching. The magnetic fields deflect electrons in a controlled manner, maintaining current density while achieving the desired control over x-ray flux.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate voltage grids are used to blank electron emission, then electron current can be controlled, but emitter density is limited and arcing risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical intermediate voltage grids with a magnetic field-based control system. This substitution removes the physical constraints that limited emitter density and reduced the risk of arcing, while maintaining the ability to control electron emission.
4Ease of operation
If transistor arrays are used to control voltage to field-enhanced emitters, then electron emission can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal magnetic field control mechanism that can control multiple emitters simultaneously or individually through a single control system. The solenoid coils can be configured to affect specific regions or individual emitters, providing versatile control without the complexity of transistor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex transistor array switching system with a magnetic field-based control mechanism. This substitution simplifies the control architecture while maintaining the ability to selectively control electron emission from multiple emitters.
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 allows for precise control of x-ray emission, reducing arcing and breakdown risks, and enhancing x-ray flux management, enabling efficient x-ray imaging with improved current density and contrast ratios between activated and deactivated states.
Implementation Method 1
at least one individual solenoid coil is configurable such that when energised, a magnetic field is created causing the path of electrons emitted from the emitter closest to the at least one individual energised solenoid coil to be defocused and/or deflected
Implementation Method 2
x-ray photons (bremsstrahlung) will be emitted simultaneously from multiple sites as electrons strike the target material
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray generator may include a plurality of electron field emitters; a target material; a plurality of energizable solenoid coils; and an electronic power and timing circuit. The generator may provide electrical current to at least one individual solenoid coil to create a magnetic field to cause the path of electrons emitted from the emitter closest to the energized solenoid coil to be defocused and/or deflected before the electrons reach the target material. The target material may comprise a low atomic number material and a high atomic number material, the high atomic number material being arranged in a regular pattern, such that, in use, the electrons may be aimed at either the high or the low atomic number material.