X-ray tube steering magnet assembly with ferrite cores and litz wire coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Eddy currents induced in the beam pipe and magnet windings of X-ray tube steering magnet assemblies slow response times and reduce exposure at required power levels, particularly in fast voltage switching and wobble applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of ferrite cores and litz wire coils in the steering magnet assembly, coupled with proper positioning of magnet poles and high-frequency current switching, reduces eddy currents and enhances response times by minimizing inductance and increasing magnetic field uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional magnet core materials and solid wire coils are used in the steering magnet assembly, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but eddy currents are induced which slow response time and reduce exposure at required power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the magnet core from traditional ferromagnetic materials to ferrite materials, which have high electrical resistivity that suppresses eddy currents. This parameter change maintains the magnetic field generation capability while dramatically reducing eddy current losses and improving response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by winding litz wire (composed of multiple insulated thin wires) around ferrite cores. This composite approach combines the high permeability of ferrite with the low eddy current characteristics of distributed thin-wire construction, achieving both magnetic efficiency and reduced energy loss.
2Productivity
If fast voltage switching is performed to acquire dual energy imaging data, then two sets of intensity data can be obtained rapidly, but eddy currents are induced which slow the response time and reduce exposure
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the core material to ferrite with high electrical resistivity, the patent enables faster voltage switching for dual energy imaging. The reduced eddy current induction allows the magnetic field to respond more quickly to voltage changes, reducing transition time between different imaging energies.
3Speed
If the steering magnet assembly uses traditional materials and construction, then manufacturing is straightforward, but inductance is high which slows response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs litz wire construction where multiple thin insulated wires are bundled together. This composite wire structure reduces inductance compared to solid wire while maintaining current carrying capacity. The increased surface area and distributed current paths reduce magnetic field buildup, enabling faster response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wire construction parameter from solid wire to litz wire, and the core material from traditional ferromagnetic material to ferrite. These parameter changes reduce inductance and improve response time while the modular ferrite core design keeps the overall structure manageable.
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 significantly reduces response time and improves the steering magnet assembly's ability to quickly change the electron stream's position, maintaining exposure levels and image quality in X-ray imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
The steering magnet assembly has a plurality of ferrite cores and a plurality of litz wire coils wound on the ferrite cores
Implementation Method 2
eddy currents may be induced into the beam pipe through which the electron beam passes, the core of the magnets used to steer the beam, and the windings of the steering magnet assembly
Implementation Method 3
A thermionic filament within the cathode emits a stream of electrons towards the target... with the electrons eventually impacting the target. Once the target is bombarded with the stream of electrons, it produces X-ray radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to efficient electron beam steering within X-ray tubes, for example X-ray tubes used in CT imaging. In one embodiment, and X-ray tube with enhanced electron beam steering is provided. The X-ray tube includes an electron beam source, a target configured to generate X-rays when impacted by an electron beam from the electron beam source, and a steering magnet assembly having a plurality of ferrite cores and a plurality of litz wire coils wound on the ferrite cores.