Flexible Radiation Detector Bending Suppression Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible radiation detector substrates are prone to localized bending due to the weight of the scintillator, which can cause damage to the scintillator, especially when it includes columnar crystals that may contact each other during significant bending.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector design that incorporates a bending suppression member with a higher rigidity than the substrate, extending to cover the scintillator and connection regions, to prevent substrate bending and reduce the risk of scintillator damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible substrate is used for the radiation detector, then the detector can be made lightweight and adaptable, but the substrate is prone to localized bending due to the weight of the scintillator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of substrateVSAvoidbending resistance of substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple rigid support members distributed across the substrate, each providing localized support to prevent bending in specific regions while maintaining overall substrate flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate system uses a composite structure combining flexible substrate material with rigid support members, creating a hybrid system that exhibits both flexibility and bending resistance properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the scintillator includes plural columnar crystals, then the light detection efficiency is improved, but the scintillator may sustain damage due to mutually adjacent columnar crystals contacting each other during substrate bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight detection efficiencyVSAvoiddamage risk to columnar crystals
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Rigid support members are positioned beneath the scintillator to preemptively counteract bending forces before they can cause columnar crystal contact and damage, maintaining crystal spacing and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are pre-installed and positioned to provide immediate structural support to the scintillator, preventing bending-induced damage before it occurs during device operation or handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a bending suppression member is added to prevent substrate bending, then the scintillator is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of scintillatorVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Bending suppression is implemented locally at specific critical regions beneath the scintillator and connection areas, rather than making the entire substrate rigid, thus providing necessary protection while minimizing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Support members are strategically placed only in regions where bending suppression is most critical (under the scintillator and connection regions), providing sufficient protection without adding support in all areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

The implementation of the bending suppression member effectively reduces the risk of scintillator damage from substrate bending, enhances the bending suppression effect, and supports the substrate's ability to handle the weight of the scintillator without deformation.

Implementation Method 1

a bending suppression member configured to suppress bending of the substrate, wherein the bending suppression member has a rigidity satisfying R ≥ L - r/tanΦ + 4r × {(L - r/tanΦ) 2 + d 2}/2d

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRigidity:

Implementation Method 2

a scintillator stacked on the substrate and including a plurality of columnar crystals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentEP3770642B1Radiation detector, radiographic photography device, and production method for radiation detector
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3770642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3770642B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3770642B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation detector includes a flexible substrate, plural pixels provided on the substrate and each including a photoelectric conversion element, a scintillator stacked on the substrate and including plural columnar crystals, and a bending suppression member configured to suppress bending of the substrate. The bending suppression member has a rigidity that satisfies R ≥ L - r/tanΦ + 4r · {(L - r/tanΦ)2 - (d/2)2}1/2/d, wherein L is an average height of the columnar crystals, r is an average radius of the columnar crystals, d is an average interval between the columnar crystals, Φ is an average tip angle of the columnar crystals, and R is a radius of curvature of bending occurring in the substrate due to the weight of the scintillator.