X-ray tube target support heat dissipation via emission window contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray tubes face challenges in heat dissipation from the target, leading to thermal damage, which affects the longevity and performance of the X-ray generation process.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray tube design incorporates a vacuum housing with a target unit and a target support unit where at least a part of the X-ray emission window is in contact with the target support unit, facilitating heat conduction and dissipation, and includes a shift mechanism to adjust the target position and an elastic member to reduce stress and improve focus-to-object distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the target is heated to generate X-rays, then X-ray generation efficiency is improved, but thermal damage to the target increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray generation efficiencyVSAvoidthermal damage to target

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat dissipation plate as an intermediary component between the target and the X-ray emission window. This plate serves as a thermal conductor to transfer heat away from the target, while being positioned and designed (with specific material properties and geometry) to minimize interference with X-ray transmission. The heat dissipation plate thus mediates between the need for high target temperature and the need to prevent thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the X-ray emission window is placed close to the target for compact design, then device size is reduced, but heat dissipation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the heat dissipation plate to extend in the X-ray emission direction, creating a layered structure where the heat dissipation function is separated from the X-ray transmission path. By utilizing the spatial dimension along the X-ray emission direction, the design achieves both compact overall size and effective heat dissipation, as the heat dissipation plate occupies space that would otherwise be empty or require larger housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If the target support unit is made thick for mechanical strength, then structural stability is improved, but X-ray transmission efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidX-ray transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the target support structure into multiple functional components: a target support unit that provides mechanical support and positioning, and a separate heat dissipation plate that handles thermal management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the support unit for strength and stability, and the heat dissipation plate for thermal conduction and X-ray transparency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of energy

If the target support unit is made thin for better X-ray transmission, then X-ray transmission efficiency is improved, but mechanical strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveX-ray transmission efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different materials with complementary properties for different components: the target support unit uses materials optimized for mechanical strength and stability, while the heat dissipation plate uses materials that combine high thermal conductivity with good X-ray transmission properties. This composite material approach allows each component to achieve its primary function without compromising the other requirements.

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

This configuration effectively reduces thermal damage to the target, enhances heat dissipation efficiency, and improves the life characteristics of the target, allowing for stable and efficient X-ray generation.

Implementation Method 1

a target configured to generate an X-ray by using an electron beam incident therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam incidence: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

generate an X-ray by using an electron beam incident therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

heat of the target can be conducted to the X-ray emission window via the target support unit by heat conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11004646B2X-ray tube and X-ray generation device

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK

AI summary

An X-ray tube includes: a vacuum housing configured to include an internal space which is vacuum; a target unit configured to be disposed in the internal space, and include a target that generates an X-ray by using an electron beam incident therein, and a target support unit that supports the target, the X-ray generated by the target being transmitted through the target support unit; and an X-ray emission window configured to be so provided as to face the target support unit, and seal an opening of the vacuum housing, the X-rays transmitted through the target support unit being transmitted through the X-ray emission window. At least a part of the X-ray emission window is in contact with the target support unit.