Dual-Sided Flat Panel Detector for Megavolt and Kilovolt X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems require separate detectors for megavolt and kilovolt energy ranges, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for different detector configurations and materials, as the same detector can only effectively capture X-rays in one direction and energy level at a time.
Innovation Solution
A single flat panel detector is designed to detect X-rays from both megavolt and kilovolt energy ranges by orienting its surfaces differently, allowing X-rays to be received on opposite sides, with a configuration that minimizes attenuation and scatter using materials like carbon fiber and strategically positioned converter plates to optimize dose capture efficiency for both energy ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate detectors are used for megavolt and kilovolt energy ranges, then detection accuracy for each energy range is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single detector that can detect both megavolt and kilovolt energy ranges. The detector includes a scintillator layer and photodetector array that can operate with different converter plates (e.g., beryllium for megavolt, aluminum for kilovolt) to optimize detection for each energy range, eliminating the need for separate detectors while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the detector configuration through interchangeable converter plates with different material properties and thicknesses. By changing the converter plate material and thickness parameters, the detector can be optimized for different energy ranges (megavolt vs. kilovolt), allowing one detector to perform multiple functions with high detection accuracy
2Device complexity
If a single detector is used for both megavolt and kilovolt imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy may deteriorate due to attenuation and scatter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different converter plate materials and thicknesses optimized for specific energy ranges. The converter plates are positioned at specific locations in the detector stack, with each layer having locally optimized properties (material composition, thickness) to minimize attenuation and scatter for its intended energy range while maintaining overall detector functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detector into functional layers: converter plate, scintillator layer, and photodetector array. Each layer is independently optimized for its specific function, with the converter plate segmented into different material options (beryllium, aluminum) that can be selected based on the energy range, allowing the system to maintain high detection accuracy across different energies
3Productivity
If converter plates are added to optimize dose capture, then dose capture efficiency is improved, but attenuation and scatter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the converter plate material composition and thickness parameters to achieve the desired balance. By carefully selecting parameters such as beryllium thickness (e.g., 0.5-2 mm) or aluminum thickness (e.g., 0.1-1 mm), the converter plates maximize dose capture efficiency for their respective energy ranges while minimizing harmful attenuation and scatter effects
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
Enables the use of a single detector for both megavolt and kilovolt imaging by flipping the detector, reducing the need for multiple detectors and improving efficiency by maintaining high dose capture efficiency across different energy ranges without significant attenuation or scatter.
Implementation Method 1
The detector may include a scintillator configured to convert the incident radiation into converted optical photons
Implementation Method 2
Each pixel may include a photodiode that generates an electrical signal in proportion to the light produced
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a radiation detector may include a housing, a scintillator, a photosensor array, and a first converter. The housing may include a first image cover associated with a first surface configured to receive incident radiation generated at a first voltage range, and a second image cover associated with a second surface configured to receive incident radiation generated at a second voltage range. The first voltage range may be different than the second voltage range. The scintillator may be disposed within the housing to convert the incident radiation at the first voltage range or the incident radiation at the second voltage range into converted optical photons. The photosensor array may be optically interfaced with the scintillator to receive the optical photons from the scintillator. The first converter may be configured to interact with the incident radiation generated at the first voltage range.