Edge-on X-ray Detector Sub-modules with Non-linear Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray detectors face challenges in maximizing detection efficiency due to physical gaps between modular detector sub-modules, which create dead areas and reduce image quality, especially in Computed Tomography (CT) systems where high flux rates and Compton scattering complicate the detection of high-energy x-rays.
Innovation Solution
The design of x-ray detector sub-modules is optimized such that they are arranged side-by-side with gaps that are not linearly aligned with the x-ray source, ensuring detection coverage at the crossover regions and allowing adjacent sub-modules to share information or combine signals, thereby minimizing dead areas and enhancing detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If detector sub-modules are arranged side-by-side with gaps, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but dead areas are created reducing detection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by rotating the detector sub-modules from a conventional planar arrangement to an edge-on configuration where detector elements extend in the direction of incoming x-rays. This three-dimensional arrangement allows detector elements to overlap in the longitudinal direction while maintaining side-by-side positioning, thereby eliminating dead areas at the gaps without complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is divided into multiple sub-modules that can be manufactured and assembled separately, then combined to form a large-area detector. Each sub-module contains detector elements arranged in an edge-on configuration with overlapping detection areas, allowing modular manufacturing while maintaining continuous detection coverage across the entire detector surface.
2Productivity
If gaps between detector sub-modules are minimized, then detection coverage is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to an edge-on detector configuration where detector elements extend in the direction of incoming x-rays, the patent creates overlapping detection areas in the longitudinal dimension. This dimensional change allows for tolerance in lateral alignment while ensuring detection coverage through the overlap, thereby reducing the impact of manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating overlapping detection areas specifically at the gap regions between sub-modules. The detector elements are designed with extended overlap in the longitudinal direction at these critical locations, providing enhanced detection coverage where it is most needed without requiring high precision across the entire detector structure.
3Productivity
If detector elements are extended in the direction of incoming x-rays, then detection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into multiple sub-modules, each containing detector elements arranged in an edge-on configuration. This segmentation allows the complex three-dimensional structure to be manufactured as separate, simpler units that can then be assembled together, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining high detection efficiency through the extended detector element geometry.
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 configuration ensures that virtually all incoming x-rays pass through the effective detection area, reducing dead zones and improving image quality by consolidating data at the module level and providing comprehensive detection coverage, even in high-flux environments.
Implementation Method 1
Since some materials absorb a larger fraction of the x-rays than others, an image is formed of the subject or object
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an x-ray detector (20) having a number of x-ray detector sub- modules (21-1, 21-2). Each detector sub-module (21) is an edge-on detector sub- module having an array of detector elements (22) extending in at least two directions, wherein one of the directions has a component in the direction of incoming x-rays. The detector sub-modules (21) are stacked one after the other and/or arranged side- by-side. For at least part of the detector sub-modules (21), the detector sub-modules (21) are arranged for providing a gap between adjacent detector sub-modules (21-1, 21-2), where at least part of the gap is not directed linearly towards the x-ray focal point of an x-ray source.