X-Ray Window Grid Structure for Strength and Transmissivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray transmissive windows face a trade-off between mechanical strength and X-ray transmissivity, as reinforcement structures to enhance mechanical strength often compromise the transmission of X-rays.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an outer frame with a grid member that partitions the opening into smaller portions, varying in width and distance from the center, optimizing the numerical aperture and mechanical strength distribution to improve X-ray transmissivity while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a lattice-like support is formed on the X-ray transmissive film to reinforce it, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the X-ray transmissivity is deteriorated greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidX-ray transmissivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The grid member is designed with variable thickness: thicker at the outer periphery where mechanical strength is needed to withstand pressure differential, and thinner toward the center where X-ray transmissivity is prioritized. This local variation in thickness allows each region to optimize its function - the periphery provides structural support while the center minimizes X-ray attenuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional lattice pattern to a three-dimensional variable thickness structure. The grid member's thickness varies in the vertical dimension, creating a gradient from thick (periphery) to thin (center). This dimensional addition allows simultaneous optimization of both mechanical strength (via thick periphery) and X-ray transmissivity (via thin center) without the trade-off present in uniform thickness designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the support is thickened to maintain the mechanical strength of the film, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the X-ray transmissivity is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidX-ray transmissivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than uniformly thickening the support structure, the invention applies thickness locally where needed - specifically at the outer periphery of the grid member where mechanical strength is required to resist pressure differential. The central region maintains minimal thickness to preserve X-ray transmissivity, eliminating the need to sacrifice transmission for overall strength enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If linear ribs are formed radially with a center at a through-hole, then X-rays entering at shallow angles are transmitted through the window, but the mechanical strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray transmissivityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The grid member's variable thickness design ensures that regions requiring mechanical support (outer periphery) are thicker, while regions prioritized for X-ray transmission (center and radial paths) are thinner. This local optimization allows radial X-ray transmission paths to remain clear while maintaining structural integrity at the boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The grid member is constructed from a material with appropriate mechanical properties that allows thin sections to provide sufficient support when strategically positioned. The composite structure of variable thickness within a single material enables both thin central regions for X-ray transmission and thicker peripheral regions for mechanical strength.

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 enhances X-ray transmissivity and mechanical strength, particularly by reducing the width and height of the grid member in areas closer to the center, allowing for improved radiation detection sensitivity without compromising structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The distance between the first portion and a center of the opening is greater than the distance between the second portion and the center of the opening. The distance between the second portion and the center of the opening is greater than the distance between the third portion and the center of the opening. The first portion surrounds said second portion, and wherein said second portion surrounds said third portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3889990B1X-ray transmissive window and radiation detector
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 JEOL LTD
  • EP3889990B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3889990B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3889990B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

There is provided a radiation transmissive window having high radiation transmissivity. The radiation transmissive window (100) includes: an outer frame (10) having an opening (12); a radiation transmissive film (20) closing off the opening (12); and a grid member (30) that partitions the opening (12) into a plurality of small opening portions (32). The grid member (30) has a first portion (34a), a second portion (34b) at a smaller distance to the center (O) of the opening (12) than the first portion (34a), and a third portion (34c) at a smaller distance to the center (O) of the opening than the second portion (34b). The first portion (34a) is greater in width than the second portion (34b). The second portion (34b) is greater in width than the third portion (34c).