X-ray Shield Assembly with Electron Absorption Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray tubes face issues with backscattered electrons causing off-focus x-rays, heat generation, and durability problems due to excess heat, which degrade image quality and increase cooling requirements.

Innovation Solution

A shield assembly comprising a radiation shielding layer, a thermally conductive layer, and an electron absorption layer is introduced, with the electron absorption layer configured to absorb backscattered electrons, reducing heat transfer and improving image quality by minimizing secondary backscatter and heat accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the anode is maintained at positive potential relative to ground in a bi-polar x-ray tube, then x-ray generation efficiency is improved, but backscattered electrons are pulled back to the anode causing off-focus x-rays that diminish image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray generation efficiencyVSAvoidx-ray image quality

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anode structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a target track for x-ray generation, a backscatter electron collection zone with opposing negative potential, and a passage structure. This segmentation allows the system to maintain positive potential for efficient x-ray generation while simultaneously creating a separate region to capture and neutralize backscattered electrons, preventing off-focus x-rays and maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A passage structure acts as an intermediary element between the target track and the backscatter electron collection zone. This passage allows backscattered electrons to be directed and collected in a controlled manner, serving as a mediator that prevents harmful electrons from causing off-focus x-rays while maintaining the beneficial positive potential for x-ray generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If backscattered electrons interact with internal components of the x-ray tube, then kinetic energy is transferred as heat, but excess heat generation adversely affects durability and increases cooling capacity requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy transferVSAvoidx-ray tube durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful backscattered electrons are extracted from the main electron beam path and directed into a dedicated backscatter electron collection zone. By separating these electrons from the primary x-ray generation process and providing a controlled collection region, the system prevents them from interacting with other internal components that would generate excessive heat, thereby improving durability without sacrificing energy utilization efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The previously harmful backscattered electrons are converted into a beneficial resource by collecting them in a dedicated zone with opposing negative potential. This converts the harmful kinetic energy that would otherwise create excessive heat into a controlled process that can be managed and dissipated in a designated area, improving overall system reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The shield assembly effectively absorbs backscattered electrons, reducing off-focus x-rays and heat generation, thereby enhancing x-ray image quality and extending the durability and efficiency of the x-ray tube by minimizing the need for additional cooling capacity.

Implementation Method 1

an electron absorption layer attached to the collection surface of the radiation shielding layer. The electron absorption layer is comprised of a third material. The electron absorption layer is configured to absorb backscattered electrons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a thermally conductive layer attached the radiation shielding layer. The thermally conductive layer is comprised of a second material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

The radiation shielding layer is configured to attenuate x-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7410296B2Electron absorption apparatus for an x-ray device

Publication Date: 2008.08.12 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A shield assembly for an x-ray device is disclosed herein. The shield assembly includes a radiation shielding layer comprised of a first material; and a thermally conductive layer attached the radiation shielding layer. The thermally conductive layer is comprised of a second material. The shield assembly also includes an electron absorption layer attached to the radiation shielding layer. The electron absorption layer is comprised of a third material. The electron absorption layer is configured to absorb backscattered electrons.