Storage Phosphor Eraser Reflector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage phosphor layer erasing apparatuses suffer from low efficiency due to significant reflection of erasing radiation without absorption, leading to wasted energy and heat, and potential for increased failure rates and cooling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reflector with a wide width in the direction of relative movement, designed to reflect erasing radiation back onto the storage phosphor layer, enhancing erasure efficiency by utilizing reflected radiation and reducing power consumption, with options for flat, structured, or retroreflective surfaces, and integrated light emitting diodes emitting radiation at different wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a radiation source emits erasing radiation onto the storage phosphor layer, then the storage phosphor layer can be erased, but a large part of the erasing radiation is reflected without being used or absorbed, leading to low erasure efficiency and wasted energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by capturing the previously wasted reflected erasing radiation and redirecting it back onto the storage phosphor layer through a reflector, converting the harmful energy loss into a beneficial contribution to the erasure process, thereby improving overall erasure efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element between the storage phosphor layer and the reflected radiation, intercepting the reflected erasing radiation and redirecting it back to the storage phosphor layer, thus mediating the energy flow to improve utilization
2Productivity
If the storage phosphor layer is pushed through a ray path of light emitting diodes for erasure, then erasure can be performed, but the apparatus requires significant space and may need cooling systems due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reflector with the existing housing or structural elements of the erasing apparatus, integrating the reflective function into the existing space rather than adding separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall apparatus volume while maintaining erasure capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is positioned and oriented in a specific spatial arrangement that utilizes available three-dimensional space efficiently, directing reflected radiation back onto the storage phosphor layer without requiring additional linear space in the direction of conveyance
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 significantly improves erasure efficiency, reduces power requirements, minimizes heat loss, and potentially eliminates the need for cooling, while being cost-effective and compact, with enhanced reflectivity and spectral separation of erasing radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation, wherein the reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2)
Implementation Method 2
As a radiation source, this erasing apparatus contains two lines with light emitting diodes, disposed parallel to one another, for emitting the erasing radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for erasing a storage phosphor layer (2) includes a drive (5) for producing a relative movement between the storage phosphor layer (2) and the radiation source (8), the storage phosphor layer (2) lying or being moved in a holding plane (7), and a reflector (11) for reflecting radiation. The reflector (11) is arranged and designed to reflect erasing radiation reflected by the storage phosphor layer (2) in the direction of the storage phosphor layer (2). A width (14) of the reflector (11) in the direction (6) of the relative movement is at least ten times as great as a smallest distance (15) between the reflector (11) and the holding plane (7).