Reinforced Flexible Radiation Detector to Prevent Layer Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation detectors face issues with the conversion layer detaching from the substrate when handled alone, as existing technologies do not adequately address the mechanical stress and flexibility of the flexible substrate, leading to potential damage during handling and use.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method that includes connecting flexible wiring to the substrate before affixing a reinforcement substrate, which provides additional rigidity and stability to prevent the conversion layer from detaching, using a reinforcement substrate with a higher rigidity than the base member and a yield point to suppress bending and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a flexible base member is used in the radiation detector, then the weight is reduced and imaging of the imaging subject is facilitated, but the conversion layer may detach from the substrate due to bending of the flexible substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of radiation detectorVSAvoidattachment reliability of conversion layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining a flexible base member (polyimide) with a reinforcement substrate (polycarbonate or PET) that has a yield point. This composite material approach allows the detector to maintain flexibility for weight reduction while the reinforcement substrate prevents conversion layer detachment during bending, resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a reinforcement substrate with specific material parameters (yield point between 10-100 MPa, bending elastic modulus between 1000-2500 MPa) to change the mechanical behavior of the flexible base member. This parameter modification enables the substrate to resist bending forces that would otherwise cause conversion layer detachment, while maintaining overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an electromagnetic shielding layer or support body is provided on the conversion layer, then the conversion layer is protected, but these structures do not adequately suppress detachment when the detector is handled on its own

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of conversion layerVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the conversion layer from detachment during handling, provides structural support, and maintains flexibility for portable applications. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 method effectively suppresses the detachment of the conversion layer from the substrate during handling and use, enhancing the durability and reliability of the radiation detector.

Implementation Method 1

a conversion layer such as a scintillator to convert radiation into light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

the reinforcement substrate has a bending elastic modulus of from 1000 MPa to 2500 MPa

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the reinforcement substrate contains a material having a yield point and has a higher rigidity than the base member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectYield point: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3770640B1Radiation detector, radiological imaging device, and production method
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3770640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3770640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3770640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation detector including: a substrate formed with a plural pixels in pixel region of a flexible base member, the plural pixels accumulates charges generated in response to light converted from radiation; a conversion layer provided at a surface to which the pixel region is provided on the base member, the conversion layer converts the radiation into light; and a reinforcement substrate provided at a surface of the conversion layer that faces a surface of the substrate side, the reinforcement substrate contains a material having a yield point and has a higher rigidity than the base member.