Elastomeric Enclosure for Radiographic Detector Shock Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable digital radiation detectors face challenges in mechanical shock protection due to their standardized size and shape, which limits the space for shock absorption and physical protection of internal components.

Innovation Solution

A portable radiation detector with an elastomeric enclosure that is less rigid than the detector panel, providing shock absorption and deformation to distribute static loads, combined with a radiation transparent window that is harder and stiffer than the enclosure for additional impact protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the detector is made portable with standardized size, then the detector can be transported and used at different locations, but the space for shock absorption and physical protection of internal components is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidshock protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An elastomeric enclosure is provided about the detector panel and processing circuitry. The elastomeric material is less rigid than the detector panel, allowing it to deform and absorb shock during drops or impacts, while still enclosing and protecting the internal components. This flexible enclosure provides mechanical shock protection without significantly increasing the detector's form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The detector assembly combines multiple materials with different mechanical properties: a rigid detector panel for radiation detection, a less rigid elastomeric enclosure for shock absorption, and potentially a radiation-transparent window that is harder and stiffer than the elastomeric material for point impact protection. This composite structure optimizes both protection and portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the detector adheres to standardized form-factor, then the detector can replace existing detectors, but the space available for shock absorption is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidmechanical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric enclosure is provided in advance as a protective layer about the detector panel and processing circuitry. This cushioning layer is designed to deform and absorb shock during drops or impacts, protecting the internal components from mechanical damage before the shock reaches them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric enclosure acts as a flexible protective shell that can deform under impact forces, absorbing energy and reducing the transmission of shock to the internal components. This flexible protection layer does not significantly increase the detector's overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If a radiation transparent window is added for additional protection, then the detector gains impact resistance, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A radiation-transparent window is provided in a specific location (typically the front surface) where point impacts are most likely to occur. This window is harder and stiffer than the elastomeric enclosure, providing localized protection against point impacts while allowing radiation to pass through. This targeted approach provides enhanced protection without requiring the entire detector structure to be more complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 elastomeric enclosure effectively protects the detector panel and processing circuitry from mechanical shocks and drops, while the radiation transparent window adds protection against point impacts and static loads, enhancing the detector's durability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric enclosure that is less rigid than the detector panel and which is disposed generally about the detector panel and processing circuitry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

providing shock absorption and deformation to distribute static loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a radiation transparent window that is harder and stiffer than the enclosure for additional impact protection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact resistance: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS8766200B2Mechanical shock isolation for a radiographic device

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A portable radiation detector is described having an elastomeric enclosure that provides some degree of mechanical shock resistance. In one embodiment, the enclosure encloses some or all of the electronic components of the detector and provides protection against drops and other mechanical shock for the enclosed components. One or more support or stiffening structures may also be provided to protect against impacts, to distribute static loads, and/or to impart a shape to the detector when handled.