Plastic Scintillation Dosimeter Fiber Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of high-volume plastic scintillator radiation detector (PSD) sensor cables is challenging due to the need for accurate and repeatable connection of small diameter optical fibers, which is difficult to achieve at a low cost, leading to inefficiencies in radiation dose measurement in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of tiny, inexpensive scintillator-based dosimeters in the form of PSD sensor cables with a scintillator fiber optically coupled to a plastic optical fiber, enclosed in a flexible covering, and equipped with a data coupler, allowing for easy replacement and improved radiation sensing in medical treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate and repeatable connection of small diameter optical fibers is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the scintillator fiber and optical fiber that simplifies the connection process. This intermediary structure enables accurate and repeatable connections without requiring complex alignment procedures, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies connection parameters such as fiber diameter, coupling distance, and alignment tolerances to optimize the balance between connection accuracy and manufacturing feasibility. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves reliable connections that are both accurate and manufacturable at reasonable cost
2Volume of moving object
If small diameter optical fibers are used, then device size is reduced for use in small body areas, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor cable into modular segments including scintillator fiber, optical fiber, and coupling sections. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each component at optimal scales, reducing the overall device diameter while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly rather than requiring custom fabrication of the entire small-diameter cable
3Productivity
If high volume manufacturing is implemented, then productivity increases, but maintaining connection accuracy becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary preparation steps in the manufacturing process, such as pre-positioning features, pre-aligned connectors, and pre-cured coupling sections. These preliminary actions ensure that when high-volume manufacturing is implemented, connection accuracy and repeatability are maintained through standardized preparatory procedures rather than requiring complex quality control during high-speed assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes manufacturing parameters such as coupling material viscosity, curing time, and assembly speed to enable high-volume production while maintaining connection precision. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both high productivity and consistent connection quality across large production volumes
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 solution enables accurate, real-time radiation dosage assessment in medical treatments, such as brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy, with improved sensitivity and reliability, while being cost-effective and suitable for use in small areas within the body.
Implementation Method 1
A scintillator is a special material that exhibits scintillation—the property of luminescence when excited by ionizing radiation. Luminescent materials, when struck by an incoming particle, absorb its energy and scintillate, in other words they reemit the absorbed energy in the form of light.
Implementation Method 2
The visible light produced in the scintillator must travel (through internal reflection) toward the exit face of the scintillator and into the light guide
Implementation Method 3
The light sensor will absorb the light emitted by the scintillator and reemit it in the form of electrons via the photoelectric effect
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-opaque plastic scintillator detector (PSD) for use in various medical applications and methods of making and using the PSD. The method requires coating a plastic scintillator fiber with a radio-opaque material; cutting the scintillator fiber; stripping the end of a plastic fiber optic fiber; cutting the naked end of a plastic fiber optic fiber; inserting a closely fitting guide tube over the naked end and inserting the cut scintillating fiber into the guide tube; coating the detector end of the cable with a light opaque polymer or jacket and adding a connector to the other end.