Flexible Digital Detector Arrays for Curved Surface X-Ray Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital X-ray sensors have rigid mating surfaces that fail to conform to curved objects, limiting their application and configurability, and lack modular electrical components, restricting user customization and data processing needs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible digital detector array (DDA) with a control system, including a block control module, gate control module, and data modules, coupled to a flexible substrate with interchangeable processing modules, allowing for customizable configurations and improved radiation shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid mating surface is used in existing digital X-ray sensors, then the structural stability is maintained, but the sensor cannot conform to curved objects, limiting application versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate as the base layer for the digital detector array, replacing traditional rigid substrates. This flexible substrate can be bent and conform to curved surfaces such as pipes, enabling the sensor to adapt to various object shapes while maintaining structural integrity through proper material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design incorporates flexible interconnectors and modular components that allow the detector array to dynamically adjust its shape and configuration. The flexible mating surface can be positioned and shaped according to the specific inspection requirements, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptable system
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrical components are used in existing sensors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the configurability and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The digital detector array is divided into multiple modular blocks, each with its own electrical components and processing capabilities. These modular blocks can be independently configured, assembled, and replaced based on specific inspection requirements, enabling high configurability without overwhelming system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible interconnectors and standardized modular interfaces are designed to support multiple functions and configurations. The same basic modular components can be arranged in different configurations to meet various inspection needs, reducing the need for completely different sensor designs for different applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible substrate with modular components is used, then the adaptability and configurability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the control system directly with the flexible substrate, combining multiple control functions into a unified architecture. The block control modules and gate control modules are embedded within the flexible detector array structure, eliminating the need for separate external control systems and reducing overall device complexity despite the increased functionality
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 DDA provides enhanced flexibility for various object shapes, reduces radiation backscattering, and enables dynamic reconfiguration for improved inspection efficiency and data throughput, lowering operational costs and user budgets.
Implementation Method 1
an array of sensing pixels, the array of sensing pixels can be configured to generate image data responsive to X-rays incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible digital detector array apparatus including a control system including a block control module, a gate control module, and at least one data module. The block control module and the gate control module can be arranged to execute a multiplexing operation. The apparatus can also include a flexible substrate coupled to the control system at an edge of the flexible substrate via a plurality of connectors. The flexible substrate can include a switching area including a plurality of switching pixels arranged within a plurality of blocks. Each switching pixel can be communicatively coupled to the block control module and the gate control module. The apparatus can also include a sensing area including an array of sensing pixels. The array of sensing pixels can generate image data responsive to X-rays incident thereon and provide the image data to the plurality of data modules. Each switching pixel of the plurality of switching pixels can be arranged to control a read state of a portion of sensing pixels.