X-ray tube electronics for operating data storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray emitters lack a straightforward method for retrieving and storing operating time data, such as the number of radiation pulses and their duration, which is essential for failure analysis and maintenance, but is difficult to access due to the need for additional data carriers and technician cooperation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating read-out and storage electronics with a microcontroller and non-volatile data storage directly on the X-ray tube, utilizing inductive or galvanic coupling with the existing supply line for power, allowing data recording and storage without requiring additional connections or power supply, and enabling data retrieval by service technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional data carriers and reading technical means are provided to store and retrieve operating time data, then data accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing supply line serves dual purposes: providing power to the X-ray tube and storing operating time data. The supply line itself becomes the data carrier, eliminating the need for separate data storage components. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by using an existing resource for an additional function without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electrical power transmission and data storage/retrieval. By making the supply line universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated data carriers and reading means, thereby improving data accessibility without adding device complexity.
2Reliability
If a unitary tank is replaced on site and sent to the factory for reconditioning, then reliability is improved through proper maintenance, but loss of time increases due to the replacement and reconditioning process
Solution Approach 1:
Operating time data is recorded continuously and stored in the supply line during normal operation, before any failure occurs. This preliminary recording of usage information allows for immediate assessment of the unitary tank's condition upon removal, enabling faster decision-making about reconditioning needs and reducing the overall time loss associated with maintenance cycles.
3Loss of information
If read-out and storage electronics are disposed on the X-ray tube and electrically coupled to the supply line, then data recording capability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The read-out and storage electronics are powered directly from the supply line that already carries electrical current for the X-ray tube operation. The system uses the existing electrical energy flow to power the electronics needed for data recording, rather than requiring a separate power source. This self-service energy utilization resolves the contradiction by making the energy requirement part of the existing operational energy consumption without significant additional burden.
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
Enables simple and reliable retrieval and storage of X-ray tube operating data, including radiation events and temperature, without additional structural effort, and can be retrofitted to existing devices, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
electrically couple the read-out and storage electronics to the supply line using either inductive or galvanic electrical coupling means
Implementation Method 2
electrically couple the read-out and storage electronics to the supply line using either inductive or galvanic electrical coupling means
Implementation Method 3
The energy required for the microcontroller and data storage device can be drawn or tapped therefrom. The energy thus obtained is sufficient to record the radiation event
Implementation Method 4
In addition to the radiation event and the duration of radiation for the creation of a radiograph, it may also be possible to record the temperature in the vicinity of the read-out and storage electronics
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray emitter 1 comprising an X-ray tube 2 disposed in an oil-tight housing 3 containing a high-tension transformer 2.1, wherein an electrical supply line 4 for the heater voltage for X-ray tube 2 is provided, which is led through the housing 3. Read-out and storage electronics 5 including a microcontroller 5.4 and a data storage device 5.2 are provided on or in the housing 3, and at least one period of operation of the X-ray tube 2 can be acquired and stored in the data storage device 5.2 by means of the read-out and storage electronics 5.