X-ray Tube Grid Control for Wave Tail Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray diagnosis apparatuses experience unnecessary radiation exposure due to gradually descending X-ray waveforms, known as wave tails, which occur more frequently at lower X-ray tube current levels, especially during fluoroscopy processes, and do not contribute to imaging, necessitating a method to eliminate these wave tails effectively.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray diagnosis apparatus incorporates a grid control system that applies a voltage to the X-ray tube's grid based on determined radiation conditions, inhibiting thermal electron release and thus preventing wave tails, by using a judging unit to assess whether grid control is necessary and a grid controlling unit to apply the voltage when the X-ray tube voltage and current are below specific thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the X-ray tube current is reduced to maintain lower radiation conditions, then patient radiation exposure is reduced, but wave tails occur more frequently causing unnecessary radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The judging circuitry determines in advance whether wave tail elimination is necessary based on the radiation condition, and the grid controlling circuitry applies voltage to the grid before the X-ray pulse is generated. This preliminary action prevents wave tail formation at its source, allowing lower tube current operation without the harmful gradual descent effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid voltage acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the X-ray tube current setting and the actual X-ray pulse generation. By applying a negative voltage to the grid, thermal electrons are inhibited from being released, thereby preventing wave tail formation without requiring changes to the tube current setting itself.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If grid control is applied to eliminate wave tails, then unnecessary radiation exposure is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional judging and grid controlling circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The judging circuitry and grid controlling circuitry are integrated into the existing X-ray control system, allowing the same control unit to manage both normal X-ray operation and wave tail elimination. The grid controlling circuitry serves multiple purposes: it can apply voltage to eliminate wave tails during fluoroscopy and can also rapidly increase voltage for image taking from fluoroscopy, making the added complexity serve multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The judging circuitry automatically determines whether wave tail elimination is necessary based on the current radiation condition, and the grid controlling circuitry automatically applies the appropriate voltage. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems, as the system monitors and adjusts itself based on pre-set criteria.
3Power
If the X-ray tube voltage is rapidly increased from fluoroscopy to image taking, then imaging capability is improved, but wave tails may occur during the transition period
Solution Approach 1:
When image taking is determined from fluoroscopy, the grid controlling circuitry applies a predetermined high voltage to the grid in advance before the actual image taking pulse is generated. This preliminary voltage application ensures that thermal electrons are properly controlled during the rapid voltage transition, preventing wave tail formation during the critical transition period from fluoroscopy to image taking.
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 effectively reduces unnecessary radiation exposure by inhibiting wave tails during both fluoroscopy and image taking processes, ensuring lower radiation conditions are maintained while maintaining image quality, thereby minimizing patient exposure.
Implementation Method 1
applying a voltage to a grid of the X-ray tube and inhibiting thermal electrons from being released
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes an X-ray tube, judging circuitry, and grid controlling circuitry. The X-ray tube is configured to radiate X-rays. The judging circuitry is configured to judge whether a voltage should be applied to a grid of the X-ray tube or not, in accordance with a radiation condition. The grid controlling circuitry is configured to apply the voltage to the grid, if the judging circuitry has determined that the voltage should be applied.