X-Ray Tube Insulation Coating to Suppress Abnormal Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Abnormal discharge occurs between the cathode and anode of an X-ray generation tube via the outer surface of an insulating tube, leading to potential failure or malfunction of the X-ray generation apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray generation apparatus is designed with an accommodating container filled with insulating liquid, where the X-ray generation tube is surrounded by a member made of specific materials to prevent triboelectrification and reduce abnormal discharge, and additional members are used to enhance insulation and prevent short-circuiting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insulating tube is used to isolate the cathode and anode, then insulation is provided, but abnormal discharge occurs via the outer surface of the insulating tube

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidabnormal discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A coating layer made of low-triboelectricity material is applied to the outer surface of the insulating tube. This coating acts as an intermediary between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid, preventing triboelectrification of the insulating tube while maintaining its insulating function. The coating layer has superior electrical properties compared to the insulating tube material, effectively blocking the discharge path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter of the insulating tube's outer surface by coating it with materials having different triboelectric properties. Specifically, it uses materials with lower triboelectric coefficients (such as fluorinated polymers or silicones) to replace the original high-triboelectricity material surface, thereby reducing charge accumulation and preventing abnormal discharge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the insulating liquid fills the accommodating container, then insulation between X-ray generation tube and driving circuit is ensured, but triboelectrification occurs causing abnormal discharge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidtriboelectrification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful triboelectrification effect into a beneficial one by carefully selecting coating materials whose triboelectrification with the insulating liquid produces charges of opposite polarity to those that would accumulate on the insulating tube. This counteracts the harmful charges and prevents abnormal discharge, turning the triboelectrification phenomenon from a harmful factor into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If the insulating tube material is used without coating, then manufacturing is simple, but electrical insulation performance deteriorates due to triboelectrification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectrical insulation performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure by coating the insulating tube with a layer of low-triboelectricity material. This composite structure combines the mechanical properties of the insulating tube material (providing structural support and basic insulation) with the superior electrical properties of the coating material (preventing triboelectrification). The coating can be applied through various methods such as dip-coating, spray-coating, or CVD, making the manufacturing process only slightly more complex while dramatically improving electrical insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution effectively suppresses abnormal discharge, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the X-ray generation apparatus by maintaining insulating performance and preventing electron avalanches.

Implementation Method 1

prevent triboelectrification and reduce abnormal discharge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectrification: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

preventing electron avalanches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron avalanche: Electron Avalanche

Data Source

PatentUS20250351254A1X-ray generation apparatus and x-ray imaging apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CANON ANELVA CORP

AI summary

X-ray generation apparatus includes X-ray generation tube having insulating tube with first and second opening ends, cathode closing the first opening end and having electron emitting portion, and anode closing the second opening end and having target; driving circuit for driving the X-ray generation tube; and accommodating container accommodating the X-ray generation tube and the driving circuit. The accommodating container has third opening end, and the X-ray generation tube closes the third opening end. The accommodating container defines first space storing the driving circuit, and second space protruding from the first space and storing the X-ray generation tube, the accommodating container includes protrusion portion surrounding the second space, and one end of the second space forms the third opening end.