X-ray Tube Target Bonding via MoNbTi Diffusion Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current X-ray tube targets face challenges in achieving high-temperature bonding strength while minimizing production costs and environmental impact, as existing methods involve expensive and toxic materials like vanadium or complex sputtering processes.

Innovation Solution

A carbon-based X-ray tube target is bonded with a molybdenum (Mo) base material using a joint layer comprising an MoNbTi diffusion phase, an NbTi alloy phase, and a ZrNb alloy phase, with specific thickness ranges and a bonding process at controlled temperatures and pressures, eliminating the need for vanadium and simplifying production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If vanadium or sputtering processes are used for bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but production cost increases and environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive vanadium-based bonding materials with a cost-effective MoNbTi diffusion phase joint layer. This joint layer is formed through a simplified diffusion process rather than complex sputtering, reducing both material and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate bonding strength for the application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from physical sputtering deposition to thermal diffusion bonding. By controlling temperature and time parameters during the diffusion process, a MoNbTi joint layer is formed that provides sufficient bonding strength without requiring expensive vanadium materials or complex sputtering equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If vanadium or sputtering processes are used for bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but environmental harm increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates vanadium, a toxic material, from the bonding process by using a MoNbTi diffusion phase joint layer. This substitution removes the environmental harm associated with vanadium handling and disposal while maintaining the necessary bonding performance through a cleaner diffusion-based manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex sputtering processes are used, then bonding quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex sputtering process (a physical vapor deposition technique requiring sophisticated equipment and control systems) with a simpler thermal diffusion process. This substitution maintains bonding quality by forming a controlled MoNbTi joint layer through diffusion, eliminating the need for complex sputtering apparatus and process control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides an X-ray tube target with superior high-temperature bonding strength, reduced production costs, and environmental benefits, suitable for high-output X-ray tubes and inspection devices, while maintaining mechanical integrity under high-speed rotation.

Implementation Method 1

The joint layer comprises an MoNbTi diffusion phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The joint layer comprises an MoNbTi diffusion phase, an NbTi alloy phase, and a ZrNb alloy phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlloying: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2312608B1Target for x-ray tube, x-ray tube using the same, x-ray inspection system, and method for producing target for x-ray tube
Publication Date: 2015.01.14 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2312608B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2312608B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a target (1) for X-ray tubes, wherein a carbon base (4) is joined to an Mo base or an Mo alloy base (2) through a joining layer (3). The joining layer (3) has an MoNbTi diffused phase (6), an NbTi alloy phase (7), an Nb-rich phase (8) and a ZrNb alloy phase (9). As a result, the target for X-ray tubes has improved joining strength at high temperatures.