Conformal Imaging System Using Deformable Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems with rigid and two-dimensional active matrix arrays are limited in their ability to image objects in confined spaces or with complex geometries, as they cannot conform to the shape of the object, leading to suboptimal imaging quality or inability to image at all.
Innovation Solution
The development of a three-dimensional conformal imaging system using deformable substrates with a scintillator structure and electronic devices that can be flexibly integrated with scintillator layers, allowing the system to conform to non-planar surfaces and provide high-quality imaging in confined or complex environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid and two-dimensional active matrix array is used, then the structural stability and ease of manufacture are improved, but the ability to conform to complex geometries and image objects in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable substrate that can dynamically change its shape from a flat state during manufacturing to a three-dimensional conformal state during operation. This dynamic transformation allows the imaging system to adapt to complex geometries while maintaining structural integrity through controlled deformation of the substrate and integrated scintillator layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible and stretchable device substrates with integrated scintillator layers that can be deformed into three-dimensional configurations. These flexible thin-film structures enable the imaging system to conform to complex geometries and confined spaces while maintaining the structural stability needed for reliable operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid active matrix array is used, then the ease of manufacture and structural integrity are improved, but the ability to fit in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system uses a deformable substrate that transitions from a compact flat state during manufacturing to an expanded three-dimensional conformal state during operation. This dynamic volume transformation allows the system to be easily manufactured in a flat configuration while occupying minimal space during transport, then expanding to fit complex geometries when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the scintillator layers and electronic devices within a deformable substrate structure that can be collapsed or folded into a compact form for manufacturing and transport, then expanded to conform to the target geometry. This nesting approach allows the full imaging system to be contained within a small volume during manufacturing while expanding to occupy the necessary space during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional active matrix array is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the imaging quality of certain objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat active matrix array to a three-dimensional conformal structure that can wrap around and conform to the curvature of complex objects. This curved and conformal geometry enables the imaging system to maintain optimal detection angles and resolution across complex surfaces, significantly improving imaging quality for objects with non-planar geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable substrate allows the imaging system to locally adapt its geometry to match the specific contours of different objects. By conforming the scintillator layers and detector array to the local geometry of the imaging target, the system optimizes detection quality for each specific object shape while maintaining ease of manufacture through a standardized deformable substrate design.
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
Enables high-quality imaging in spaces where traditional systems fail by allowing the imaging system to conform to the shape of the object, improving imaging capabilities in confined and complex geometries.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator layer; the second surface being configured to scintillate
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments include an imaging system. The imaging system can comprise: a scintillator structure; and an electronic device engaged with the scintillator structure, wherein: the scintillator structure can comprise: a scintillator support layer; and a scintillator layer; the scintillator support layer can comprise: a first substantially non-planar surface; and a second substantially non-planar surface, the first substantially non-planar surface can be approximately parallel to the second substantially non-planar surface; the electronic device can comprise a device substrate and one or more active sections; the device substrate can comprise a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface of the device substrate; the one or more active sections are at the second surface of the device substrate; and the second surface of the device substrate and the one or more active sections can conform to the second surface of the scintillator layer. Other embodiments are described herein.