X-ray Tube Inner Anode Layer Suppresses Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission micro-focus X-ray generation tubes face challenges in reducing size while maintaining voltage withstanding performance and achieving high-definition X-ray images, due to short insulation distances and issues with charging and creeping discharges.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an inner circumferential anode layer electrically connected to the anode member, extending along the inner circumference of the insulating tube, which suppresses charging from backscattered electrons and maintains insulation performance, thereby stabilizing the electron beam trajectory and preventing creeping discharges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the insulation distance between anode and cathode is reduced to minimize tube size, then the device size is reduced, but voltage withstanding performance deteriorates and creeping discharges occur
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating tube is introduced as an intermediary component between the anode and cathode to provide electrical insulation. The insulating tube allows the anode and cathode to be positioned closer together while maintaining adequate insulation distance, thus enabling miniaturization without sacrificing voltage withstanding performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating tube extends in the radial direction (perpendicular to the axial direction) to provide insulation distance, allowing the overall tube length to be reduced. This dimensional approach separates the insulation function from the axial layout, enabling compact design while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If electroconductive bellows are disposed behind the target to suppress charging, then charging is suppressed and electron trajectory is stabilized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroconductive bellows component is removed from the design. Instead of adding this complex component behind the target, the patent uses the insulating tube combined with grounding at the anode and cathode ends to achieve charging suppression and trajectory stabilization with simpler structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If the electron emitting source is positioned in close proximity of the target to improve focusing, then focal point accuracy is improved, but insulation distance is further reduced compromising voltage withstanding
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating tube acts as a mediator that allows the electron emitting source to be positioned close to the target for improved focusing, while simultaneously providing the necessary insulation distance to maintain voltage withstanding performance. The tube electrically isolates the close-spaced components.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation distance is provided in the radial direction through the insulating tube, allowing axial proximity of the electron emitting source and target for better focusing. This separates the focusing requirement (axial dimension) from the insulation requirement (radial dimension).
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 allows for a compact X-ray generation apparatus with improved voltage withstanding performance, reduced out-of-focus states, and high-definition X-ray imaging capabilities without compromising insulation integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an anode including a target configured to generate X-rays under irradiation of electrons
Implementation Method 2
a cathode including an electron emitting source configured to emit an electron beam in a direction toward the target
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray generation tube includes: an anode including a target configured to generate X-rays under irradiation of electrons, and an anode member electrically connected to the target; a cathode including an electron emitting source configured to emit an electron beam in a direction towards the target, and a cathode member electrically connected to the electron emitting source; and an insulating tube extending between the anode member and the cathode member. The anode further includes an inner circumferential anode layer electrically connected to the anode member, the inner circumferential anode layer extending along an inner circumferential face of the insulating tube, and is remote from the cathode member.