X-ray Source Assembly Polymer Socket Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray source assemblies face challenges with heat management and arcing issues, particularly at high voltages, leading to reduced operational life and potential damage to components.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray source assembly incorporates a polymer socket member for weight reduction and electrical insulation, an internal pump for efficient cooling with circulating oil, and a combination of photo and audible arc detectors to monitor and prevent arcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional metal socket members are used to support the x-ray tube, then structural strength is maintained, but weight increases and electrical insulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using polymer (plastic) material for the socket member instead of traditional metal materials. This polymer material provides both mechanical strength to support the x-ray tube and inherent electrical insulation properties, eliminating the need for separate insulation components and reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
2Temperature
If complex cooling systems are implemented to manage heat from electron collisions, then heat dissipation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the housing structure by incorporating cooling channels directly into the housing that circulates dielectric fluid. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex cooling systems while effectively managing heat dissipation from the anode and other heat-generating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dielectric fluid as an intermediary substance that serves dual purposes: it cools the anode and other components by circulating through cooling channels, and it provides electrical insulation between the high-voltage x-ray tube components and the housing. This intermediary fluid simplifies the overall system by combining cooling and insulation functions in one medium.
3Power
If high voltage is applied to increase x-ray production efficiency, then x-ray output improves, but arcing between anode and cathode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric fluid acts as an intermediary that prevents arcing between high-voltage components. It fills the space between the anode and cathode assemblies, providing electrical insulation that allows high voltages to be applied for efficient x-ray production without causing harmful arcs, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid creates an electrically inert environment between the anode and cathode, preventing electrical breakdown and arcing. This inert medium allows the system to operate at high voltages necessary for efficient x-ray generation while maintaining electrical stability and preventing damage from arcs.
4Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for cooling and electrical insulation, then functional performance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (structural support, electrical insulation, and cooling) into a single integrated housing component made of polymer material with built-in cooling channels. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining all necessary functional performances.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support for the x-ray tube, electrical insulation through the polymer material and dielectric fluid, and heat dissipation through integrated cooling channels. This universal component approach reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts.
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 configuration enhances cooling efficiency, reduces manufacturing complexity, and effectively detects arcing, thereby extending the operational life of the x-ray tube and preventing damage.
Implementation Method 1
when the electrons strike it, at least a portion of the resulting kinetic energy is converted to electromagnetic waves of very high frequency, these being the x-rays
Implementation Method 2
The anode is surrounded by a cooling structure having a dielectric fluid circulating therein for removing heat from the anode
Implementation Method 3
dielectric fluid circulating therein for removing heat from the anode
Implementation Method 4
A photo detector is positioned within the housing and adapted for detecting ultraviolet (UV) emissions emitted by an arc
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray source assembly capable of producing x-rays suitable for use in medical, explosive detection, and other areas. The assembly includes a housing having a two-part socket member (which holds the assembly's x-ray tube therein) positioned therein. The two-part housing defines an opening through with the tube's x-rays are emitted.