X-ray Tube Grid Voltage Generation via Direct AC Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray sources face challenges with large voltage differentials between alternating current sources and grid high voltage multipliers, leading to increased size, weight, and power loss due to insulation requirements and potential arcing issues, especially in portable devices.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an internal grid control and grid high voltage multiplier that generates direct current voltage from alternating current, with electrically insulating potting surrounding the high voltage components, and uses light control signals or solar power to manage the grid voltage, eliminating the need for transformers and reducing insulation needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a transformer is used to transfer alternating current from the alternating current source to the grid high voltage multiplier, then voltage can be transformed, but the size and weight of the power supply increase due to insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the transformer component from the system by directly coupling the alternating current source to the grid high voltage multiplier. This removal of the intermediate transformation step eliminates the need for heavy insulation and reduces overall power supply weight while maintaining voltage transformation capability through the multiplier circuitry alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct electrical connection as an intermediary between the alternating current source and grid high voltage multiplier, replacing the transformer-mediated connection. This direct coupling eliminates the insulation barrier requirement while still enabling voltage transformation through the multiplier's internal circuitry.
2Reliability
If large amounts of insulation are added to prevent arcing between the alternating current source and grid high voltage multiplier, then arcing can be prevented, but the power supply size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the source of the arcing problem by eliminating the high voltage differential interface that required insulation. By directly coupling the alternating current source to the grid high voltage multiplier, the system eliminates the need for heavy insulation barriers while maintaining arcing prevention through proper circuit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes equipotential relationships within the directly coupled circuit, ensuring that voltage potentials are properly managed throughout the connection between the alternating current source and grid high voltage multiplier. This eliminates high voltage differentials that would otherwise require heavy insulation to prevent arcing.
3Reliability
If large amounts of insulation are added to standoff the large voltage difference, then arcing can be prevented, but power transfer inefficiencies increase resulting in wasted electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulation layer that caused power transfer inefficiencies by directly coupling the alternating current source to the grid high voltage multiplier. This eliminates the electrical barrier that impeded power transfer while maintaining arcing prevention through proper voltage management in the directly coupled system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the insulation intermediary with a direct electrical connection between the alternating current source and grid high voltage multiplier. This direct coupling eliminates the power loss associated with insulation barriers while still preventing arcing through proper circuit design and voltage potential management.
4Power
If a transformer is used to transfer alternating current, then voltage transformation can be achieved, but the power supply size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the transformer component from the power supply design, eliminating its physical footprint. Voltage transformation is achieved instead through the grid high voltage multiplier's internal circuitry, significantly reducing the overall power supply area while maintaining the required voltage transformation capability.
5Reliability
If extensive insulation is added to handle the large voltage differential, then arcing can be prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex insulation system required to handle large voltage differentials by directly coupling the alternating current source to the grid high voltage multiplier. This simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need to source, install, and test extensive insulation components while maintaining arcing prevention through proper circuit design.
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 reduces the size and weight of x-ray sources, minimizes power loss, and prevents arcing, while maintaining improved electron beam and x-ray spot size control.
Implementation Method 1
The grid high voltage multiplier can be configured to receive alternating current from the internal grid control and generate a direct current voltage based on the alternating current
Implementation Method 2
grid high voltage multiplier electrically coupled between the internal grid control and the grid. The grid high voltage multiplier can be configured to receive alternating current from the internal grid control and generate a direct current voltage based on the alternating current
Implementation Method 3
Electrically insulating potting can substantially surround a cathode end of an exterior of the x-ray tube, a high voltage connection end of an exterior of the primary high voltage multiplier, the grid high voltage multiplier, and the internal grid control
Implementation Method 4
a cathode including an electron emitter attached to the evacuated enclosure, the electron emitter configured to emit electrons towards the anode
Implementation Method 5
an anode attached to an evacuated enclosure, the anode configured to emit x-rays
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray source for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. A method for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size with reduced power supply size and weight. Grid(s) may be used in an x-ray tube for improved electron beam control, a smaller electron beam spot size, and a smaller x-ray spot size. Control circuitry for the grid(s) can be disposed in electrically insulative potting. Light may be used to provide power and control signals to the control circuitry.