Mirror Arrangement for X-ray Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray camera designs using scintillator screens face radiation damage due to direct exposure to X-rays, leading to detector failure, and lateral sensor arrangements increase camera size unnecessarily, compromising structural height and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mirror arrangement with a first and second mirror, spaced apart and parallel or forming an acute angle, deflects X-rays generated by a scintillator screen, shielding the detector from direct X-ray exposure and attenuating radiation, allowing for a compact and modular camera design that adapts to scintillator size and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the detector is arranged directly behind the scintillator screen to image the visible light, then the imaging efficiency is improved, but the detector is exposed to direct X-ray radiation causing radiation damage and eventual failure
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror arrangement is introduced as an intermediary between the scintillator screen and the detector. The mirror reflects visible light from the scintillator to the detector while blocking direct X-ray paths, allowing the detector to be positioned within the X-ray beam path without direct X-ray exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is positioned laterally offset from the direct X-ray beam path, utilizing a different spatial dimension. The mirror arrangement redirects light from the scintillator at an angle, enabling the detector to receive visible light while being shielded from direct X-ray radiation through geometric positioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lateral sensor arrangements are used to avoid radiation damage, then the detector is protected from X-rays, but the camera size increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as a mediating element that enables compact positioning. By reflecting light at specific angles, the mirror allows the detector to be positioned close to the scintillator within the beam path while maintaining radiation protection, thus avoiding the need for large lateral offsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror arrangement performs multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects visible light to the detector, blocks direct X-ray paths to protect the detector, and enables compact camera geometry. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between radiation protection and compact size.
3Area of stationary object
If the detector is positioned within the X-ray beam path for compact design, then the camera size is reduced, but the detector suffers from radiation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror arrangement acts as a protective intermediary that enables the detector to be positioned within the X-ray beam path for compact design while simultaneously blocking direct X-ray radiation from reaching the detector, thus maintaining both compact size and detector reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror arrangement converts the harmful direct X-ray path into a beneficial configuration by reflecting visible light to the detector while blocking X-rays. The same geometric positioning that enables compact design also facilitates radiation protection when combined with the mirror.
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 solution effectively protects the detector from radiation damage while maintaining a compact camera size, allowing for flexible adaptation to various scintillator sizes and shapes, and enables efficient imaging without increasing the camera's structural depth or lateral dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an image source including a scintillator layer which is excitable by an X-radiation for emitting the radiation
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror arranged to reflect the radiation generated by the image source
Implementation Method 3
a second mirror arranged to reflect radiation reflected by the first mirror
Implementation Method 4
the mirror arrangement being configured to shield at least some X-radiation which penetrates the scintillator layer from the detector such that X-radiation which passes through the scintillator layer cannot arrive directly at the detector, but passes through the first mirror and the second mirror and is at least weakened in the process
Data Source
AI summary
In order to detect an image generated by an image source, a mirror arrangement is arranged between the image source and a detector. The mirror arrangement includes two spaced-apart deflection mirrors, which are parallel to each other or form an acute angle of less than 90° between them. In particular when the image source is a scintillator layer, shielding of X-rays from the detector with simultaneous compact dimensioning of the apparatus is achieved in this manner.