Large surface area x-ray tube shield structure
US6519318B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 2000 |
| Grant date | Feb 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2235/168
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved x-ray tube cooling system is disclosed. The system utilizes a shield structure that is connected between a cathode cylinder and an x-ray tube housing and is disposed between the electron source and the target anode. The shield includes a plurality of cooling fins to improve overall cooling of the x-ray tube and the shield so as to extend the life of the x-ray tube and related components. When immersed in a reservoir of coolant fluid, the fins facilitate improved heat transfer by convection from the shield to the to the coolant fluid. The cooling effect achieved with the cooling fins is further augmented by a convective cooling system provided by a plurality of fluid passageways formed within the shield, which are used to provide a fluid path to the coolant. In particular, a cooling unit takes fluid from the reservoir, cools the fluid, then circulates the cooled fluid through the fluid passageways. One or more depressions of “V” shaped cross section defined on the surfaces of the fluid passageways serve to facilitate nucleate boiling of the coolant in the passageway, and thereby materially increase the heat flux through the passageway to the coolant. Addition…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.