Curved X-Ray Detector Bonding to Minimize Image Distortion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray detectors are not designed to accommodate the curved structure of the human body, leading to distorted radiographic images due to the use of a flat radiation source, and their manufacturing process is complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method to manufacture a curved-surface detector by slimming a sensor substrate to a predetermined thickness, curving it using a jig, and joining a flexible scintillator substrate with a heat-melted junction layer to maintain the curvature, ensuring the detector's accuracy and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a flat detector is used to capture radiation from a dot source, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the captured radiographic image is enlarged and distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoiddetector surface shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is designed with a curved surface that matches the curvature of the human body, replacing the conventional flat detector structure. This curvature allows the detector to capture radiographic images without enlargement or distortion, improving image accuracy while adapting to the anatomical shape of the patient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Shape

If the sensor substrate is slimmed to enable curving, then the detector can be shaped to match body curvature, but the photoelectric devices may be damaged by the slimming medium

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstrate flexibilityVSAvoidphotoelectric device integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The photoelectric devices are sealed before the slimming process is performed on the sensor substrate. This preliminary sealing action protects the sensitive photoelectric devices from exposure to the slimming medium, preventing damage while allowing the substrate to be thinned for subsequent curving operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the scintillator substrate is joined to the curved sensor substrate, then the curvature can be maintained, but separation or deformation may occur at the junction portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature maintenanceVSAvoidjunction portion integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The junction layer undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid state through heating and cooling processes. The liquid junction layer is applied to the curved sensor substrate, then heated to melt and flow into the curvature, and finally cooled to solidify, maintaining the curved shape while creating a strong bond that prevents separation or deformation at the junction portion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The method allows for the production of a curved-surface detector that minimizes image distortion, is easy to manufacture, and reduces manufacturing costs while providing vivid radiographic images by maintaining the curvature and minimizing refraction.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator that converts into fluorescence radiation emitted by way of a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a photodetecting unit provided on a radiation entrance side of the scintillator; and the photodetecting unit includes a thin film portion that detects the fluorescence as an electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the scintillator substrate is joined to the sensor substrate via a junction layer in the state of being curved at curvature identical to curvature of the sensor substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting and solidification: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3712966B1Method for manufacturing a curved-surface detector
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 TOVIS CO LTD
  • EP3712966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3712966B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3712966B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a curved-surface detector that is bent to have a curved surface so as to capture a radiographic image. A method for manufacturing a curved-surface detector according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a curved-surface detector in which a detector for converting radiation into an electrical signal so as to obtain a radiographic image is bent in such a manner as to have a curved surface. The method comprises the steps of: slimming a sensor substrate having photoelectric elements arranged thereon so as to achieve a predetermined thickness; bending the sensor substrate that is slimmed to the predetermined thickness to have a curved-surface by placing the same in a jig that is curved in such a manner as to have a curved surface; and bonding a flexible scintillator substrate that is struck by the radiation and illuminated to an upper surface of the sensor substrate so that the sensor substrate that is bent to have a curved-surface by means of the jig to maintain its curved surface, wherein the scintillator substrate is bonded to a bonded layer while being curved with the same curvature as the curvature of the sensor substrate, and maintains the curvature of the sensor substrate in order to prevent detachment or deformation of a bonded part between the scintillator substrate and the sensor substrate. As a result, a radiographic image in which distortion is minimised can be obtained by manufacturing the curved-surface detector that is bent to have a curved surface.