X-Ray Tube Insulation Layout for Abnormal Discharge Suppression

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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 insulating liquid-filled accommodating container that includes a member surrounding the insulating tube to prevent triboelectrification, and additional insulating members to manage charge distribution and shield X-rays, thereby reducing abnormal discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insulating tube is surrounded by insulating liquid, then insulating performance is improved, but triboelectrification occurs on the outer surface of the insulating tube causing abnormal discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating performanceVSAvoidtriboelectrification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A first insulating member is introduced as an intermediary between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid. This mediator prevents direct contact between the insulating tube outer surface and the insulating liquid, thereby eliminating triboelectrification while maintaining the insulating performance provided by the insulating liquid.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The first insulating member is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced. It serves its purpose of preventing triboelectrification during operation and can be maintained or replaced without affecting the core insulating tube structure, providing a cost-effective solution for long-term reliability.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If the first insulating member is placed in the third space, then X-ray transmission is improved, but insulating performance in the fourth space deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray transmissionVSAvoidinsulating performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating structure is differentiated by location: the first insulating member is selectively placed only in the fourth space where insulating performance is critical, while the third space remains open for X-ray transmission. This local differentiation optimizes both X-ray transmission and insulating performance in their respective regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The accommodating container interior is divided into distinct functional zones: a third space optimized for X-ray transmission and a fourth space optimized for electrical insulation. The first insulating member is segmented to occupy only the fourth space, allowing each zone to perform its primary function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the second insulating member contacts the first region, then abnormal discharge is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormal discharge suppressionVSAvoidinsulating structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second insulating members are merged into a coordinated insulating system where the second insulating member contacts the first region of the insulating tube outer surface. This combination provides comprehensive abnormal discharge suppression through multiple layers of insulation without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The second insulating member is implemented as a thin film or shell that contacts the first region of the insulating tube. This flexible insulation layer provides effective abnormal discharge suppression while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining a compact overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

abnormal discharge occurs between the cathode and anode of the X-ray generation tube via the outer surface of an insulating tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the accommodating container is filled with an insulating liquid, and the insulating liquid ensures insulating performance between the X-ray generation tube and the tube driving circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a cathode arranged to close the first opening end of the insulating tube and including an electron emitting portion, and an anode arranged to close the second opening end and including a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermionic emission: Thermionic Emission

Implementation Method 4

a target that generates X-rays when electrons from the electron emitting portion collide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBremsstrahlung: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS20250349489A1X-ray generation apparatus and x-ray imaging apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.11.13 CANON ANELVA CORP
  • US20250349489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250349489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250349489A1 patent drawing

AI summary

X-ray generation apparatus includes: X-ray generation tube, cathode having electron emitting portion, and anode 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 defines first space storing the driving circuit, and second space protruding from the first space and storing at least part of the X-ray generation tube, the accommodating container includes protrusion portion surrounding the second space. The second space includes third space where X-rays from the target enter without being blocked by either the cathode or the anode, and fourth space where X-rays from the target are blocked by the cathode or the anode.