Radiation Detector Cooling via Narrow Space Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation image capturing apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniform cooling of radiation detectors due to restricted space and proximity to the chest wall in mammography applications, leading to non-uniform cooling and reduced imaging accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A cooling mechanism that directs a cooling medium from the rear surface to the front surface of the radiation detector through a narrow space between the detector and the casing, utilizing a fan and guiding device to enhance airflow and cooling efficiency, ensuring uniform cooling of the entire detection surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the radiation detector is located close to the side of the casing that abuts against the chest wall to reduce the distance for mammography imaging, then the imaging quality is improved, but the space for heat dissipation is reduced leading to non-uniform cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for cooling by directing the cooling medium to flow through the narrow space between the radiation detector and the casing side wall. This vertical/directional airflow path through the narrow gap complements the traditional horizontal cooling, creating multi-dimensional heat dissipation that achieves uniform cooling even when the detector is positioned close to the chest wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by specifically targeting the narrow space between the radiation detector and the casing for enhanced cooling. Instead of uniform cooling throughout, the cooling mechanism is strategically directed at the critical narrow region where heat accumulation occurs, ensuring uniform temperature distribution across the detector surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dimensions of the casing are restricted to allow movement for capturing images from various directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the space for cooling the radiation detector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the narrow space dimension between the radiation detector and the casing wall to establish an additional heat dissipation pathway. This approach to cooling in the vertical/narrow space direction does not conflict with the horizontal space requirements for detector movement and positioning, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic cooling by introducing a cooling medium (air or gas) that flows through the narrow space between the radiation detector and the casing. This fluid-based cooling method efficiently removes heat from the detector without requiring large physical spaces, thus preserving the compact design needed for adaptable positioning.
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 solution allows for effective and uniform cooling of the radiation detector, improving imaging accuracy by efficiently dissipating heat from the narrow space and surrounding regions, thereby maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
causing a cooling medium to flow from a rear surface side to a front surface side of the radiation detector through a narrow space formed between the casing and one end of the radiation detector
Implementation Method 2
cooling of the entire radiation detector 5 can be achieved by actuating the fan 7, and thereby introducing air into the casing 4 through the inlet port 4a
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation image capturing apparatus includes a cooling mechanism for causing cooling medium to flow from a rear surface side to a radiation detector to a front surface side of radiation detector through a narrow space formed between an end of the radiation detector and a casing for housing the radiation detector. It is therefore possible to cool the narrow space, as well as regions in the vicinity of the narrow space, with the cooling medium and to discharge the cooling medium from the front surface side of the radiation detector.