Variable Radius Taper X-ray Window Rib Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray window support structures face challenges in minimizing stress at the junction of ribs and the support frame while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand differential pressure without sagging or breaking, and in reducing the size of the support members to avoid interference with x-ray passage.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray window support structure incorporates a rib taper region with non-circular, arcuate fillets on opposing sides of the ribs, which gradually increases in width from the central portion to the support frame, reducing stress and allowing ribs to be closer together, and can be formed from low atomic number materials like carbon fibers or composites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ribs are made thinner to minimize interference with x-ray passage, then x-ray transmission is improved, but the strength and ability to withstand differential pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure implements varying thickness along its length, with the central portion being thinner for x-ray transmission and the junction portion being thicker for strength. This local quality variation allows the rib to serve dual functions: maintaining structural integrity at the junction while minimizing interference with x-ray passage through the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib features a curved or arcuate profile rather than a straight configuration. This curvature allows the rib to efficiently distribute stresses along its length while maintaining a thinner overall profile, thereby reducing x-ray interference while preserving strength to withstand differential pressure.
2Strength
If rib thickness is increased to maintain strength at the junction, then structural integrity is improved, but stress concentration at the junction worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The curved rib profile distributes loads more evenly along its length, reducing stress concentration at the junction. The arcuate shape allows for smoother stress flow paths compared to a straight rib, thereby maintaining junction strength while minimizing peak stress values.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib thickness parameter varies continuously along its length, transitioning from thinner in the central region to thicker at the junction. This gradual parameter change avoids abrupt transitions that would cause stress concentration, while still providing the necessary thickness at the junction for structural strength.
3Area of stationary object
If ribs are spaced closer together to reduce support structure area, then structural efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple ribs that can be manufactured and positioned as discrete elements. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each rib can be precisely fabricated and then assembled in the correct positions, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to forming a continuous complex structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for an x-ray window comprising a support frame defining a perimeter and an aperture, a plurality of ribs extending across the aperture of the support frame and carried by the support frame, and openings between the plurality of ribs. A rib taper region can extend from a central portion of the ribs to the support frame. The taper region can include a non-circular, arcuate pair of fillets on opposing sides of the ribs and an increasing of rib width from the central portion to the support frame.