Dual-array Scintillator Array Assembly via Grooved Sticks and Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing dual-array-type scintillator arrays for radiation detectors lack precision and efficiency, particularly in aligning two types of scintillators with different X-ray detection sensitivity distributions, leading to lower assembly precision and increased number of steps.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the precise cutting and positioning of YGAG and GOS scintillator sticks with grooves and spacers to form a dual-array-type scintillator array, where the sticks are alternately disposed on a support plate with spacers to ensure precise alignment and integration, followed by resin coating and grinding to create a high-precision scintillator array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple scintillator cells are assembled individually using conventional methods, then each cell can be precisely positioned, but the number of assembly steps increases significantly and overall assembly precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual scintillator cells into a single integrated scintillator array structure. The array comprises multiple scintillator elements coupled to a common substrate, allowing simultaneous positioning and assembly of all cells in one operation rather than individual assembly steps. This combining approach maintains precision while dramatically reducing the number of assembly steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple scintillator elements onto a common substrate before final assembly. The elements are arranged in their final configuration on the substrate with precise spacing, and then the entire array is coupled as one unit to the photodetector array. This pre-arrangement eliminates the need for multiple individual positioning operations during final assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional assembly methods are used for dual-array-type scintillator arrays, then two types of scintillators can be arranged, but alignment precision between the two types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions on the common substrate for different scintillator types. The substrate has first and second regions with different properties, where the first region receives first scintillators and the second region receives second scintillators. Each region is optimized for its specific scintillator type, ensuring precise alignment and proper coupling while maintaining the ability to accommodate two different scintillator types with different characteristics.
3Manufacturing precision
If the number of assembly steps is increased to improve precision, then alignment may be improved, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly operations into a single integrated process. The scintillator elements are pre-assembled on the substrate with precise positioning features, and then the entire array is coupled to the photodetector array in one operation. This merging of steps maintains alignment precision while significantly improving production efficiency by reducing the total number of discrete assembly operations.
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 efficiently produces a dual-array-type scintillator array with high precision, enabling effective detection of X-rays across different energy distributions, suitable for CT and baggage inspection apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation detection element is constituted by a large number of scintillator cells... light emitted from one scintillator is received by one diode
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for producing a dual-array-type scintillator array, comprising forming first and second scintillator sticks having cell portions by providing first and second scintillator substrates with pluralities of grooves and cutting them in directions perpendicular to the grooves; arranging and fixing plural sets of the first and second scintillator sticks with the cell portions downward on a support plate via spacers; removing base portions from the first and second scintillator sticks by grinding to form first and second cell arrays comprising the first and second cells each arranged in line; forming an integral resin-cured assembly by filling the grooves and gaps of the first and second cell arrays with a resin for a reflector, curing the resin, and then removing the support plate; and cutting a resin layer between the first and second cell arrays in adjacent sets to divide the resin-cured assembly to sets of the first and second cell arrays.