Liquid Cooled X-Ray Tube Window Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

X-ray tubes face challenges with thermally-induced deforming stresses due to high heat production, leading to window cracking and vacuum leaks, as the thin window is subjected to non-uniform thermal stresses during operation.

Innovation Solution

A liquid cooled window assembly is introduced, where an x-ray tube window frame defines an opening covered by an x-ray tube window, and cooperates with the housing to create a fluid passageway with an inlet and outlet, allowing cooling fluid to flow and dissipate heat, reducing thermal stresses on the window and its bond with the frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the window thickness is reduced to minimize x-ray absorption, then x-ray transmission is improved, but the window becomes more susceptible to thermally-induced deforming stresses and cracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray transmissionVSAvoidwindow resistance to thermal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that flows through channels in the mounting structure, acting as a thermal mediator between the window and the external environment. This allows heat to be transferred from the thin window to the cooling fluid, preventing thermal stress accumulation while maintaining the window's thin configuration for optimal x-ray transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydraulic cooling system where cooling fluid is pumped through integrated channels in the mounting structure. This hydraulic approach enables active thermal management of the thin window, removing heat efficiently and preventing thermally-induced deformation and cracking that would otherwise occur with reduced window thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If high electrical energy is transferred to the x-ray tube to produce x-rays, then x-ray output is improved, but excessive heat is generated causing thermally-induced deforming stresses and potential window failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray production efficiencyVSAvoidheat generation in x-ray tube

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts heat from the x-ray tube system by incorporating cooling channels in the mounting structure that are in thermal communication with the window. This allows heat to be removed from the critical window area, enabling higher electrical energy input for x-ray production without causing excessive temperature rise or thermal stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous cooling through the mounting structure channels, maintaining constant thermal management during x-ray tube operation. This continuous heat removal process allows sustained high-power operation and consistent x-ray production without intermittent thermal stress failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the window is bonded to the mounting structure, then vacuum seal integrity is improved, but the bonded portion becomes a frequent site of thermal deformation leading to cracking and vacuum leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum seal integrityVSAvoidbonded window resistance to thermal deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling fluid acts as a thermal intermediary that protects the bonded interface between the window and mounting structure. By removing heat through the cooling channels, the thermal stress at the bonded portion is reduced, preventing cracking and maintaining both vacuum seal integrity and bond reliability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 cooling system effectively reduces thermally-induced deforming stresses on the window, frame, and housing, thereby extending the operational life of the x-ray tube by managing heat dissipation and maintaining vacuum integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid passageway with an inlet and an outlet, allowing cooling fluid to flow and dissipate heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Implementation Method 2

reducing thermal stresses on the window and its bond with the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7616736B2Liquid cooled window assembly in an x-ray tube

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 VAREX IMAGING CORP

AI summary

Liquid cooled window assembly for an x-ray tube. In one example embodiment, an x-ray tube window assembly includes an x-ray tube window frame that defines an opening and an x-ray tube window configured to be attached to the x-ray tube window frame. When the x-ray tube window is attached to the x-ray tube window frame, the x-ray tube window substantially covers the opening defined by the x-ray tube window frame, and the x-ray tube window cooperates with the x-ray tube window frame to define a fluid passageway disposed about at least a portion of the opening. The fluid passageway includes an inlet and an outlet.