Modular Detector Tile Sub-Assemblies for Selective Component Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current indirect conversion radiation detector arrays face challenges in high throughput and volume imaging applications due to the need for large numbers of detector pixels and channels, leading to complex and costly detector measurement systems where individual components of tiles must be replaced entirely when malfunctioning.

Innovation Solution

The design of a tile for an indirect-conversion radiation detector assembly, comprising a scintillator element, an array of photodetectors, and separate detector and electronic sub-assemblies that can be selectively decoupled and replaced independently, allowing for modular replacement of faulty components without replacing the entire detector array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the detector array uses a large number of detector pixels and channels to achieve high throughput and volume imaging, then the imaging capability and productivity are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh throughput imaging capabilityVSAvoiddetector measurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detector array is segmented into multiple independent tiles, each tile containing a subset of detector pixels and associated electronics. This segmentation allows the large detector system to be divided into manageable modules that can be independently manufactured, tested, and replaced, thereby reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high throughput imaging capability through parallel operation of multiple tiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the entire tile must be replaced when any component malfunctions, then system reliability is simplified, but maintenance cost and downtime increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile assembly simplicityVSAvoidmaintenance cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Each tile is further segmented into distinct functional sub-assemblies (detector sub-assembly and electronic sub-assembly) that can be independently replaced. This nested segmentation allows for granular repair strategies where only the malfunctioning sub-assembly needs to be replaced rather than the entire tile, significantly reducing maintenance costs and downtime while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If individual components of tiles cannot be replaced separately, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile structural integrityVSAvoidcomponent replacement flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tile is segmented into standardized sub-assemblies with defined interfaces that maintain structural integrity when assembled, while enabling flexible replacement of individual sub-assemblies. The detector sub-assembly and electronic sub-assembly are designed as separate replaceable units with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the structural integrity of the overall tile to be maintained while providing adaptability for selective component replacement based on malfunction patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This modular approach reduces maintenance costs and improves system reliability by enabling the replacement of specific sub-assemblies, maintaining detector array functionality without the need to replace entire tiles or arrays.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator element, a photodetector array disposed on a top surface of the substrate and operably coupled with the scintillator element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

an array of photodetectors disposed on a top surface of the substrate and operably coupled with the scintillator element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8829446B2Tile for detector array of imaging modality having selectively removable/replaceable tile sub-assemblies

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 ANALOGIC CORP

AI summary

Among other things, one or more tiles for an indirect-conversation radiation detector array are provided herein. Respective tiles comprise a detector sub-assembly and an electronic sub-assembly, which are operably coupled together, yet selectively removable, via a connection interface. When an electronic sub-assembly portion of a tile, which comprises a signal acquisition system (e.g., an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), functions improperly, the electronic sub-assembly portion of the tile may be selectively removed for repair/replacement without removing and/or replacing the detector sub-assembly (e.g., which may be much more costly to replace). Similarly, when the detector sub-assembly portion of a tile functions improperly, the detector sub-assembly portion of the tile may be selectively removed for repair/replacement without removing and/or replacing the electronic sub-assembly portion of the tile (e.g., although some manipulation of the properly functioning sub-assembly may occur).