Two-Direction Bendable Radiation Detector for Pipe Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detectors are not designed to efficiently capture high-quality images of pipes of various sizes and shapes, and they lack the flexibility to conform to the inner surfaces of pipes during non-destructive inspection, leading to instability and interference during imaging.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector design featuring a detector panel and protection panels that are bendable in two directions, supported by a flexible support member with adjustable fastening slots and rods, allowing for stable bending and close contact with pipe surfaces, and incorporating a miniaturized TFT array with separated gate and readout circuits to minimize interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the radiation detector is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to conform to pipe surfaces and adapt to various shapes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to conform to pipe surfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detector is divided into multiple segments that can be bent relative to each other. The detector panel is divided into a first detector panel and a second detector panel that can be positioned at different angles, allowing the device to conform to curved pipe surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the segmented design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation detector incorporates dynamic, movable components including a movable support block that can slide along the inner surface of pipes, and detector panels that can be bent at various angles. This dynamic structure allows the rigid detector components to adapt to different pipe diameters and shapes while maintaining stable imaging capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the detector panel and protection panels are bent together rigidly, then structural integrity is improved, but relative movement during bending is restricted causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbending flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A movable support block serves as an intermediary between the detector panel and the pipe inner surface. This support block can slide along the pipe surface, allowing the detector panel to maintain a stable position relative to the pipe while accommodating bending movements. The support block mediates between the rigid detector panel and the curved pipe surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector panel and protection panels are designed with flexible connections that allow relative movement during bending. The panels can be bent at different angles while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the rigid detector components to adapt to curved surfaces without compromising structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If the gate circuit and readout circuit are integrated closely, then device complexity is reduced, but signal interference increases affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit integrationVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gate circuit and readout circuit are segmented and positioned on opposite sides of the detector panel. This spatial separation reduces signal interference between the two circuits while maintaining relatively simple device structure. The gate circuit is positioned on one side to drive the TFT array, while the readout circuit is positioned on the opposite side to read output signals, minimizing electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If the radiation detector is miniaturized to improve portability, then device size is reduced, but the ability to capture high-quality images of pipes of various sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector sizeVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detector employs dynamic, movable components including a movable support block that can slide along the inner surface of pipes. This allows the miniaturized detector to adapt to various pipe diameters and maintain stable positioning for high-quality imaging. The detector can be inserted into pipes and deformed to conform to the inner surface shape, enabling effective imaging despite the reduced overall device size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4603878A1Radiation detector bendable in two directions
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 DRTECH CORP
  • EP4603878A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603878A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603878A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This radiation detector comprises: a detector panel; a front and a rear protection panel disposed on either side of the detector panel; and a support member supporting the detector panel and the front and rear protection panels. The detector panel and the front and rear protection panels are configured so as to be able to bend together in two directions.