Flat Panel Detector with Detachable Cooling Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation imaging apparatuses using image intensifiers are heavy and costly, and those using flat panel detectors face challenges in managing varying radiation doses and radiographic modes, particularly in medical settings where both plain and fluoroscopic radiography are required, with the need for multiple detectors increasing costs and complicating operation controls.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a flat panel detector and a holding unit, featuring a connecting mechanism that allows mechanical, electrical, and thermal connections, enabling the flat panel detector to be detached for reduced radiation exposure and heat management, thus allowing for multiple radiographic modes with maintained portability and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flat panel detectors are prepared for different visual field sizes and radiographic modes, then the adaptability to different medical imaging needs is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal flat panel detector design that can operate in multiple radiographic modes (plain radiography and fluoroscopic radiography) by dynamically adjusting operational parameters such as radiation dose, integration time, and gain settings. The detector system includes a control unit that automatically selects appropriate imaging parameters based on the detected radiographic mode, eliminating the need for multiple specialized detectors while maintaining adaptability to different medical imaging requirements
2Productivity
If the flat panel detector is continuously used for fluoroscopic radiography with high frame rates, then the productivity and imaging capability are improved, but the heat generation increases and requires active cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic cooling cycles interspersed with imaging sequences. The cooling unit operates in alternating intervals with the imaging process, providing thermal management during high-frame-rate fluoroscopic radiography. This periodic action allows the detector to maintain high productivity during imaging while periodically reducing temperature through active cooling, preventing thermal accumulation without requiring continuous cooling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials in the cooling unit that absorb excess heat from the flat panel detector during high-frame-rate operation. These materials undergo phase transitions (such as solid-liquid or liquid-gas transitions) at specific temperature thresholds, providing passive thermal regulation that absorbs heat during intense imaging periods and releases it during cooler intervals, thereby managing detector temperature without requiring continuous active cooling
3Ease of operation
If the flat panel detector is made detachable for portability, then the ease of operation and transport are improved, but the reliability of continuous imaging capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary connection verification and system initialization procedures when the flat panel detector is attached to the support unit. Before imaging begins, the control unit automatically detects the detector's presence, verifies electrical and mechanical connections, and performs calibration routines to ensure optimal imaging performance. This preliminary action ensures that the detachable design does not compromise imaging reliability, as the system is properly configured and validated each time the detector is connected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the operational status, connection integrity, and performance parameters of the flat panel detector. The control unit receives real-time feedback from the detector and adjusts imaging parameters, gain settings, and exposure conditions to maintain optimal performance. This feedback system ensures that the detachable detector maintains reliable continuous imaging capability by automatically compensating for any variations introduced during attachment and detachment cycles
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 efficient handling of various radiographic modes with a single flat panel detector, reducing the burden on medical institutions by maintaining portability and controlling radiation doses, while suppressing the increase in costs and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transmitting unit which transmits heat between the flat panel detector and the holding unit
Data Source
AI summary
A single flat panel detector provides radiation images which can correspond with various radiographic modes. In a radiation imaging apparatus including a flat panel detector which derives a radiation image according to incident radiation, a holding unit which holds the flat panel detector and a connecting mechanism capable of performing a connecting and a disconnecting between the holding unit and the flat panel detector, the flat panel detector can be controlled so that the maximum number of radiation images that the flat panel detector can derive when the flat panel detector is disengaged from the holding unit is smaller than the maximum number of radiation images that the flat panel detector can derive when the flat panel detector is held by the holding unit.