X-Ray Source Support Structure for Thermal Alignment Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The detection precision of transmitted X-rays in X-ray apparatuses can be reduced due to changes in the relative positions of the X-ray source and the object, leading to a decrease in the quality of acquired images and potential measurement failures.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray apparatus incorporates a support member with a low thermal expansion coefficient, such as Invar, to stabilize the X-ray source and detection device, preventing thermal deformation and maintaining precise alignment, while a holding member secures the target to suppress displacement and ensure consistent emission positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional support structures are used for the X-ray source and detection device, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but thermal deformation occurs causing reduction in detection precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients. The support structure uses materials whose thermal expansion characteristics compensate for thermal deformation, maintaining geometric relationships between the X-ray source, object, and detection device despite temperature variations. This resolves the contradiction by changing material parameters rather than increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining different materials with complementary thermal properties. By integrating materials with different thermal expansion coefficients in a composite arrangement, the structure achieves thermal stability that prevents detection precision degradation while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If rigid fixing of the target is implemented, then displacement is suppressed and detection precision is improved, but thermal stress accumulates causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidtarget integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing differential constraint strategies at different locations of the target. The target is fixed at specific points to maintain positional stability for precise detection, while other regions are allowed to expand or contract freely to accommodate thermal stress. This localized approach to fixing resolves the contradiction between position stability and stress prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by designing the target support system to accommodate material expansion during X-ray irradiation. The support structure includes features that allow controlled thermal movement, preventing stress accumulation while maintaining the target's positional accuracy within acceptable tolerances for detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 effectively suppresses the reduction in detection precision, maintaining accurate image quality and preventing measurement failures by stabilizing the X-ray source and target, thus ensuring precise detection of the object's interior structure.

Implementation Method 1

a support member that supports the X-ray source and the detection device, wherein a thermal expansion coefficient of the support member is lower than a thermal expansion coefficient of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to an object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

a detection device that detects a transmitted X-ray transmitted through the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2903398B1X-ray device and structure manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 NIKON CORP
  • EP2903398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2903398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2903398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an X-ray device that is equipped with: a target that generates X-rays as electrons collide therewith or pass therethrough; a filament that emits the electrons to the target; a housing that has the filament therein; and a first holding member that holds, on the outside of the housing, the portion of the target disposed outside the housing.