X-ray System Shielded Housing and Shutter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray systems are limited in collecting and utilizing X-ray radiation due to safety requirements and geometrical constraints, which restrict the distance between the X-ray source and the optics, thereby reducing the amount of useful X-ray radiation that can be made available.
Innovation Solution
A radiation-shielded housing is introduced to position the X-ray optical element closer to the X-ray source, upstream of the shutter, allowing for more efficient collection and direction of X-ray radiation. This housing includes a shutter at the outlet port to prevent radiation leakage and ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the X-ray optics is positioned closer to the X-ray source, then the amount of useful X-ray radiation collected increases, but the safety risk of radiation leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional zones: a radiation-shielded housing containing the X-ray source and optics, and an unshielded region downstream. The shutter acts as a boundary between these zones, allowing the optics to be positioned close to the source within the shielded housing while preventing radiation from reaching the unshielded region when the shutter is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation-shielded housing serves as an intermediary structure that physically isolates the X-ray source and optics from the surrounding environment. This housing with its shielding material creates a controlled space where radiation can be generated and manipulated without exposing the external environment to harmful radiation levels.
2Device complexity
If the shutter is integrated with the X-ray source and optics, then the safety control is simplified, but the distance between the source and optics is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is repositioned from being integrated within the source-optics assembly to being located at the outlet port of the radiation-shielded housing. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension (from internal integration to external boundary control) allows the optics to be positioned optimally close to the source while the shutter maintains its safety function at the housing boundary.
3Reliability
If the X-ray optics is arranged downstream from the shutter, then the safety requirement is met, but the amount of collectable radiation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional arrangement is inverted: instead of placing the shutter upstream before the optics, the shutter is positioned downstream at the housing outlet. This inversion allows the optics to be positioned in the optimal location close to the source within the shielded housing, while the shutter downstream maintains safety by controlling radiation exit from the housing.
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 solution enables a safer and more efficient collection of X-ray radiation by allowing the X-ray optics to be positioned closer to the source, thereby increasing the amount of useful X-ray radiation available for output, while maintaining safety through controlled radiation output.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation-shielded housing, preferably with only one intended X-ray outlet
Implementation Method 2
in which X-ray radiation is generated by interaction between an electron beam and a target
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray system is disclosed, including an electron-impact X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray beam; a radiation-shielded housing having an X-ray outlet port; an X-ray optical element arranged within the radiation-shielded housing configured to direct the X-ray beam toward the outlet port; a shutter arranged at the outlet port, the shutter being movable between an open position at which X-ray output through the outlet port is allowed, and a closed position at which X-ray output through the outlet port is prevented; and a detector arranged to detect X-ray radiation from the X-ray source directed towards the outlet port, wherein the detector is configured to detect X-ray radiation within a first energy range. A corresponding method of operating an X-ray system is also disclosed.