X-ray Generator Insulator Cooling via Flexible Collar

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling methods for X-ray or E-beam generators, such as vacuum-tube devices, face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat without compromising the high vacuum environment and causing mechanical stress due to the spatial remoteness of cooling elements from the heat source and the occupation of significant volume by omega-shaped yokes.

Innovation Solution

A coolant conduit is integrated within the collar element of the vacuum enclosure, which serves as both a vacuum seal and a thermally effective cooling channel, allowing for efficient heat dissipation closer to the heat source while minimizing spatial occupancy and reducing mechanical stress through elastic flange ring elements that accommodate thermal expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a tight omega-shaped copper yoke is used to cool the insulator, then thermal contact is improved, but mechanical stress on the insulator increases due to thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stress on insulator

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid omega-shaped copper yoke with a flexible collar element that can accommodate thermal expansion of the insulator. The flexible material allows the collar to conform to the insulator's dimensional changes during operation, maintaining thermal contact while avoiding the build-up of damaging mechanical stresses that occur with rigid cooling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the cooling element from rigid to flexible. By using a flexible collar element instead of a rigid copper yoke, the system can dynamically adjust to thermal expansion parameters of the insulator, thereby maintaining effective thermal contact while preventing stress accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If an omega-shaped copper yoke is used for cooling, then heat dissipation is achieved, but significant volume is occupied at the end of the insulator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidspace occupied by cooling element

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cooling function with the existing collar structure that seals the vacuum enclosure. Instead of adding a separate omega-shaped yoke, the cooling channels are integrated into the collar element itself, which is already present in the device. This eliminates the need for additional cooling components and reduces the overall volume occupied by cooling elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collar element is given multiple functions: it serves as both the vacuum seal and the cooling channel housing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cooling components and reduces the space required for thermal management, as the same structural element performs both sealing and cooling functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If cooling elements are placed outside the vacuum chamber, then vacuum integrity is maintained, but the cooling effect is spatially remote from the heat source

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum integrityVSAvoidcooling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the collar element as an intermediary structure that bridges the vacuum chamber and the external cooling system. The collar is positioned at the boundary of the vacuum chamber, allowing cooling channels to be external to the vacuum while maintaining close thermal contact with the insulator and heat source through the collar's intimate association with the vacuum enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enhances cooling efficiency, reduces mechanical stress on the insulator, and integrates cooling elements seamlessly into the existing vacuum housing, improving the overall thermal management of X-ray or E-beam generators.

Implementation Method 1

Heat generated in the cathode is conducted away through the body of the insulator element 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

reduced stress on the insulator element and/or the collar element, or to accommodate relative radial movements between the collar element and the insulator element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

The first and second edges of each flange 9 may be connected by an inclined portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2873086B1Cooling arrangement for x-ray generator

Publication Date: 2016.12.28 COMET HOLDING

AI summary

A device for generating X-rays or electron beams is described. The cathode of the device is mounted on a ceramic insulator which becomes hot during operation, and the ceramic insulator is cooled by means of a fluid coolant flowing around the outside of the insulator at the remote end of the insulator, away from the cathode. The coolant conduit can be formed by flange rings, soldered directly on to the surface of the insulator, and the conduit may be shaped such that the coolant is in direct contact with the insulator. A method for manufacturing the device is also described.