X-ray Source Anode Target Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phase contrast X-ray imaging technologies face challenges such as high dose, long imaging time, and limited power of the X-ray source, which makes them unsuitable for clinical use, especially for radiographing soft tissues, and the risk of anode target meltdown due to heat concentration.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray source design featuring a housing with an end window, a rotating anode target, and a shielding unit that allows a portion of the electron beam to hit specific areas of the anode target, reducing the hit area and heat concentration while enhancing the X-ray power, and an X-ray imaging method that uses a micro-focal-spot X-ray source with a small focal point to achieve phase contrast imaging within clinical standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If magnets are used to focus the electron beam to concentrate heat, then the electron beam focusing capability is improved, but the risk of anode target meltdown increases due to heat concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the anode target into multiple heating zones with independent temperature control. Instead of focusing all electron beam energy to a single point, the system divides the target area into several zones, each managed by separate thermocouples and control circuits. This segmentation distributes the heat load across multiple regions, preventing localized overheating and meltdown while maintaining effective electron beam focusing capability.
2Power
If the X-ray source power is increased to enhance imaging capability, then the imaging quality is improved, but the heat concentration on the anode target increases leading to meltdown risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously monitoring the temperature of each heating zone through thermocouples and adjusting the electron beam power in real-time. When a zone approaches its temperature limit, the system dynamically reduces power to that specific zone while maintaining or increasing power to other zones. This dynamic adjustment allows the X-ray source to operate at high overall power levels while preventing localized overheating and meltdown.
3Manufacturing precision
If the electron beam is focused to a small focal spot for phase contrast imaging, then the imaging resolution is improved, but the heat density on the anode target increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional heat management (single focal spot on a plane) to three-dimensional heat distribution by creating multiple focal spots arranged in a spatial array on the anode target. Each focal spot receives a portion of the electron beam energy, and their spatial distribution across the target surface allows heat to dissipate in multiple directions and through thermal conduction to surrounding cooler regions, effectively reducing the heat density at each individual focal point while maintaining high imaging resolution.
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 reduces the risk of anode target meltdown, enhances X-ray power, and allows for phase contrast imaging with improved image contrast and reduced imaging time, making the X-ray source more reliable and suitable for clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a portion of the electron beam hits the rotating anode target to generate the X-ray
Implementation Method 2
The shielding unit is configured to shield another portion of the electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging method including the following steps is provided. An X-ray source is provided, wherein the X-ray source includes a housing, a cathode, and an anode target. The housing has an end window. The cathode is disposed in the housing, and the anode target is disposed beside the end window. The cathode is caused to provide an electron beam. A portion of the electron beam hits at least a part of areas of the anode target to generate an X-ray and the X-ray is emitted out of the housing through the end window. The X-ray is caused to irradiate an object to generate X-ray image information. An image detector is used to receive the X-ray image information.