Flexible Carrier for Odd-Sized Phosphor Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Computed Radiography scanners are limited in handling odd-sized or irregularly shaped flexible phosphor imaging media, requiring separate flatbed scanners for non-destructive testing applications, which increases cost, complexity, and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A flexible carrier with a releasable retaining element and a flexible frame that allows odd-sized sections of phosphor imaging media to be transported through a sheet-fed scanner, maintaining contact and preventing distortion during scanning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional sheet-fed scanner is used, then standard-sized phosphor sheets can be scanned efficiently, but odd-sized or irregularly shaped phosphor sections cannot be processed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to scan odd-sized phosphor sectionsVSAvoidscanner transport mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible carrier with a frame and retaining elements is introduced as an intermediary between the phosphor section and the scanner transport system. The carrier adapts to various phosphor section sizes and shapes while presenting a uniform interface to the scanner, enabling odd-sized sections to be processed without modifying the scanner itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning system is segmented into three independent components: the phosphor section, the flexible carrier that holds it, and the scanner. This allows the carrier to be customized for different phosphor sections while the scanner remains a standard device, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flatbed scanner is used to scan odd-sized phosphor sections, then any size and shape can be accommodated, but cost, complexity, and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to scan any phosphor sizeVSAvoiddual-scanner system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible carrier provides multi-functionality by accommodating various phosphor section sizes and shapes while being compatible with standard sheet-fed scanners. This universal interface allows a single scanner to perform multiple scanning tasks that previously required different scanner types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier acts as an adapter that bridges the gap between non-standard phosphor sections and the standard scanner interface, eliminating the need for a separate flatbed scanner and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If phosphor sections are cut to irregular sizes for NDT applications, then imaging flexibility improves, but compatibility with conventional scanners is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging flexibility for NDTVSAvoidscanner compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible carrier made of thin, adaptable material is used to hold irregularly shaped phosphor sections. The flexibility of the carrier allows it to conform to various phosphor geometries while maintaining structural integrity for transport through the scanner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The phosphor section is pre-mounted onto the flexible carrier before scanning. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and securing of the irregularly shaped phosphor, making it compatible with the scanner transport mechanism without requiring modification to the phosphor itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 scanning of variably sized and shaped flexible phosphor media within existing sheet-fed scanners, eliminating the need for separate platen-based scanners and allowing for repeated use of the media.

Implementation Method 1

at least one releasable retaining element coupled to the flexible support for holding a first surface of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium against the front surface of the flexible support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7781746B1Scanner transport carrier for flexible phosphor sheet

Publication Date: 2010.08.24 CARESTREAM HEALTH INC

AI summary

A carrier for transporting a section of flexible phosphor imaging medium through a scanner has a flexible support having a front surface and a back surface, at least one releasable retaining element coupled to the flexible support for holding a first surface of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium against the front surface of the flexible support, and a flexible frame extending at least partially along the perimeter of the flexible support and having a thickness above the front surface of the flexible support that is substantially the same as the thickness of the section of flexible phosphor imaging medium that is held against the front surface.