Ionizing Radiation Detector Module With Vertical Conductor Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ionizing radiation detectors with continuous detection surfaces face limitations in size due to electrical conductor constraints, leading to serial connection issues, voltage fluctuations, and reduced data collection rates, as well as temperature instability and sensitivity distortions.

Innovation Solution

The module design features detection segments arranged side by side on a row carrier with a clearance of up to 30 µm, using a printed circuit board for parallel or serial connection and integrating power supply stabilization close to the segments, with thermal bridges to stabilize temperature and ensure a stable power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If detection segments are arranged tightly side by side on a row carrier with limited space for electrical conductors, then the continuous detection surface is achieved, but the number of segments that can be connected in a single row is limited and serial connection leads to longer response time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection surface areaVSAvoiddata acquisition speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional serial connection along the row carrier to two-dimensional parallel connection by routing electrical conductors through the vertical dimension (below the row carrier) and using multiple connection points. This allows multiple detection segments to be connected simultaneously in parallel, dramatically increasing data acquisition speed while maintaining the continuous detection surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the row carrier with integrated conductor routing channels and connection interfaces) that mediates between the detection segments and the readout electronics. This intermediary enables efficient parallel signal transmission by providing dedicated conductor paths for multiple segments without requiring direct adjacent connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If electrical conductors are led along the row carrier in limited space, then connection to detection segments is achieved, but power supply stabilization is too remote from detection segments causing voltage fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor routingVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning power supply stabilization components in close proximity to each detection segment rather than using a single remote power supply. Each detection segment or small group of segments has its own dedicated power supply connection points located immediately adjacent to them on the row carrier, ensuring stable voltage supply without long conductor runs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If detection segments are arranged in a continuous surface without edges, then clear resulting image is achieved, but sufficient space must be provided for connecting electrical conductors disrupting the continuous detection surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage continuityVSAvoiddetection surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between image continuity and conductor space by moving conductor routing to the vertical dimension (below the row carrier level) and utilizing the overlap regions between adjacent detection segments. This allows electrical conductors to pass through non-detection areas without creating visible disruptions or dead spots in the continuous detection surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs nesting by placing electrical conductors and connection structures within the overlap regions of adjacent detection segments. The conductors are nested in the non-sensitive peripheral areas of the segments, allowing them to share the same physical space without interfering with the active detection surfaces, thus maintaining continuous image coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design allows for an unlimited detection surface with high-speed data acquisition and stable operation, enabling both serial and parallel connections, and effective heat dissipation, thus overcoming previous limitations in size and performance.

Implementation Method 1

The detection segment includes an elementary pixel detector consisting of a sensor layer sensitive to detecting radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

between the row carrier, the means for power supply stabilization, and the detection segment holder there is formed at least one thermal bridge to eliminate temperature differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3295214B1Ionizing radiation detector module
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 ADVACAM SRO
  • EP3295214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3295214B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3295214B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A module (1) for a detector (14) of ionizing radiation comprising at least two detection segments (2) for detecting ionizing radiation, attached to a row carrier (3) allowing for the assembly of detectors (14) with an unlimitedly large detection surface for continuous imaging of ionizing radiation. The construction of the module (1), including a means (10) for power supply stabilization for each detection segment (2), an interconnection of electrical conductors (8), formed by printed circuit boards (9, 13) led vertically downwards perpendicular to the detector surface along the row carrier (3), and a parallel connection to the connectors (11) of the read-out electronics, increases the reliability and speed of the operation of the detector (14). Between the individual parts of the module (1) there are formed thermal bridges to stabilize the temperature and to increase the reliability of the detector (14) assemblies from the modules (1).