X-ray Tube Deterioration Determination via Control Signal Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray inspection apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining the deterioration of components within the X-ray tube, leading to potential downtime due to the inability to predict consumable replacement times effectively.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray inspection apparatus and method that includes a high-voltage power source, an X-ray irradiation control section to output control signals for starting and stopping the tube voltage, and a determination section to count these signals and compare them with preset threshold values to assess the deterioration state of components, such as the filament and rubber member, within the X-ray tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the replacement time of consumables is determined based on filament energization time only, then the determination process is simple, but the determination accuracy is insufficient because it does not account for other consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the determination process into two independent counting mechanisms: one for filament energization time and another for tube voltage supply cycles. Each mechanism tracks different aspects of component stress, allowing comprehensive deterioration assessment while maintaining simple, modular counting processes that can be implemented separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal determination system that handles multiple consumable types (filament, rubber member, etc.) through a unified approach. The control unit universally counts both energization time and voltage supply cycles, and the determination unit universally compares both counted values against respective thresholds to assess deterioration of any consumable component.
2Reliability
If the determination system monitors multiple consumables simultaneously, then the replacement timing becomes more accurate, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into separate functional modules: a control unit that independently counts energization time and voltage supply cycles, and a determination unit that independently evaluates each count against its threshold. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple consumables without creating a complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing control signals (first control signal for energization start, second control signal for voltage stop) that are already generated during normal operation. These existing signals serve dual purposes: controlling the X-ray tube operation and providing data for deterioration determination, eliminating the need for separate sensing systems.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses multiple control signals for counting, then the deterioration determination becomes more accurate, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination system leverages control signals (first control signal marking energization start, second control signal marking voltage stop) that are already generated by the existing control unit during normal X-ray tube operation. These self-generated signals provide the necessary counting data without requiring external sensors or additional processing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the deterioration determination function with the existing control unit. The same control unit that manages X-ray tube operation also performs the counting of energization time and voltage supply cycles, consolidating multiple functions into a single processing entity and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an X-ray inspection apparatus including: an X-ray tube configured to generate X-rays; a high-voltage power source configured to supply a tube voltage to the X-ray tube to generate X-rays; an X-ray irradiation control section configured to output a first control signal and a second control signal to the high-voltage power source to control the high-voltage power source; and a determination section configured to count at least one of the first control signal and the second control signal output from the X-ray irradiation control section to the high-voltage power source, compare a counted count value with a preset threshold value, and determine a deterioration state of a component constituting the X-ray tube.