X-ray Source Thermal Control via Temperature-Regulated Gas

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature changes in X-ray detection apparatuses can lead to thermal deformation, reducing detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a temperature-controlled gas supply system that maintains a stable temperature within the X-ray source and detection chamber, using a chamber with low thermal conductivity and thermal insulation to minimize external temperature influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the X-ray source and detector are operated in a standard environment, then the device complexity is low, but thermal deformation occurs reducing detection accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a chamber as an intermediary structure that isolates the X-ray source and detector from external temperature variations. This chamber acts as a mediator between the detection apparatus and the external environment, protecting sensitive components from thermal deformation while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal environment parameter by providing temperature-controlled regions for the X-ray source and detector. By controlling the temperature parameter within the chamber, the system prevents thermal deformation of components, thereby maintaining detection accuracy without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If thermal insulation measures are added to protect from temperature changes, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber serves as a thermal intermediary, providing insulation and temperature control specifically for the X-ray source and detector regions. This localized approach protects sensitive components from temperature fluctuations without requiring the entire system to be thermally isolated, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies thermal insulation and temperature control measures locally to the X-ray source and detector regions rather than uniformly across the entire device. This localized quality approach ensures detection accuracy is maintained where it matters most while avoiding unnecessary complexity in other parts of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the chamber is sealed to restrain X-ray leakage, then safety is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray leakageVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the chamber into distinct functional regions: a sealed containment space for restraining X-ray leakage, and dedicated temperature-controlled regions for heat management of the X-ray source and detector. This segmentation allows the chamber to simultaneously achieve radiation safety through sealing and thermal management through localized controlled environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber acts as a multi-functional intermediary structure that simultaneously addresses X-ray containment and thermal management. By providing temperature-controlled regions within the sealed chamber, the system mediates between the conflicting requirements of radiation safety (requiring sealing) and heat dissipation (requiring thermal pathways).

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 approach effectively suppresses thermal deformation and maintains detection precision by controlling the temperature of the X-ray source and surrounding components, ensuring accurate acquisition of internal object information.

Implementation Method 1

a chamber (6) which surrounds the X-ray source (2) and the detection apparatus (4), and a supply port (7) which supplies the temperature-controlled gas (G) to the chamber (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

supplying the temperature-controlled gas (G) from the supply port (7) to at least part of the X-ray source (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2765407B1Device, x-ray irradiation method, and manufacturing method for structure
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 NIKON CORP
  • EP2765407B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2765407B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2765407B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device capable of suppressing reduction in detection precision is provided. There is provided an apparatus configured to irradiate an object with an X-ray and detect a transmission X-ray transmitted through the object, including: a chamber member defining a first space; and a first supply port arranged in the first space to supply a temperature-controlled gas to a part of an X-ray source configured to irradiate the object with the X-ray.