Insulated X-Ray Tube Structure to Suppress Surface 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 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 outer surface of the insulating tube and cathode to prevent triboelectrification, and additional insulating members to block rear X-rays, ensuring proper insulation and reducing abnormal discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insulating tube is used to isolate the cathode and anode, then electrical insulation is achieved, but abnormal discharge occurs via the outer surface of the insulating tube leading to potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating performanceVSAvoidabnormal discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resin layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid. This resin layer prevents triboelectrification of the insulating tube surface while maintaining electrical insulation, thereby eliminating abnormal discharge without compromising the insulating performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface properties of the insulating tube are modified by coating it with resin, changing the electrical parameters of the interface between the insulating tube and insulating liquid. This parameter change prevents charge accumulation and eliminates the conditions for abnormal discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the accommodating container is filled with insulating liquid, then electrical insulation is maintained, but triboelectrification occurs on the outer surface of the insulating tube

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

Solution Approach 1:

The resin layer serves as a mediator between the insulating tube and the insulating liquid, preventing direct contact and triboelectrification while maintaining the insulating function of the liquid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin coating creates an inert interface between the insulating tube and insulating liquid, preventing the triboelectrification interaction that would otherwise occur between the glass surface and the liquid

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the X-ray shielding member is added to block rear X-rays, then radiation protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverear X-ray exposureVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The X-ray shielding member is integrated with the accommodating container structure, combining the shielding function with the existing container design rather than adding a completely separate component

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The X-ray shielding member is positioned specifically to block rear X-rays in the critical area where the insulating tube exits the container, providing targeted radiation protection only where needed rather than shielding the entire apparatus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design 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

it has been found by studies of the present inventor that 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 EffectTriboelectrification: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a portion of an outer surface of the insulating tube is surrounded by an X-ray shielding member extending from the anode toward the cathode so as to block X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4657487A1X-ray generation device and x-ray imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 CANON ANELVA CORP
  • EP4657487A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657487A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4657487A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray generation apparatus includes an X-ray generation tube, a driving circuit, and an accommodating. The X-ray generation tube includes an insulating tube with a first opening end and a second opening end, 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 with which electrons from the electron emitting portion collide. The accommodating container has a third opening end, and the X-ray generation tube is arranged to close the third opening end. The accommodating container is filled with an insulating liquid. The accommodating container defines a first space storing the driving circuit, and a second space protruding from the first space and storing at least a part of the X-ray generation tube. The accommodating container includes a protrusion portion surrounding the second space, and one end of the second space forms the third opening end. A portion of an outer surface of the insulating tube is surrounded by an X-ray shielding member extending from the anode toward the cathode so as to block X-rays. The X-ray shielding member is covered with an insulating member.