Photon-Counting Imaging Device L-Shaped Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photon-counting imaging devices for X-ray diffraction patterns have a significant dead space at the margins due to the need for electrical contact with evaluation electronics, which reduces the effective detector area and lacks clear descriptions of the contact mechanism between the detector and readout electronics.
Innovation Solution
A photon-counting imaging device with an L-shaped support structure that allows vertical contact to the backplane of the detector, utilizing a flex-print circuit for signal routing and a separate frame with cooling means to minimize dead space and maintain a large, continuous detector area, with the L-shaped structure and frame made from metal for stability and heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If electrical contacts are made at the margins of the detector area to connect to evaluation electronics, then the detector can be electrically connected to readout electronics, but the dead space at the margins increases and the effective detector area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the electrical contacts from the marginal area (2D plane) to the vertical dimension by using through-connectors that pass through the support plate. This allows contacts to be made on the backplane without occupying detector area in the active plane, effectively adding a third dimension to the contact architecture and eliminating the trade-off between contact accessibility and detector area.
2Area of stationary object
If the detector area is made large and continuous, then the effective detection area is maximized, but the contact mechanism between detector and readout electronics becomes unclear and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure into distinct functional components: an L-shaped support structure with separate horizontal and vertical legs, through-connectors for electrical contact, and a modular frame assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining clear assembly instructions and manufacturing pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces several intermediary components to facilitate the connection between the detector and readout electronics: through-connectors serve as intermediaries between the support plate and backplane, flex-print circuits act as intermediaries for signal routing, and the L-shaped support structure serves as an intermediary mechanical framework. These intermediaries make the contact mechanism explicit and manufacturable.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the L-shaped support structure and frame are made from metal, then structural stability and heat management are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal L-shaped support structure and frame serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support and stability, act as heat sinks for thermal management, offer a rigid framework for precise positioning of detector modules, and serve as mounting structures for electrical connectors and cooling channels. This multi-functionality justifies the use of metal and reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 achieves a large detector area with minimal dead space at contact lines by vertically orienting electrical contacts and using a flex-print circuit for signal routing, allowing for efficient and continuous photon counting without compromising the active detector area.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of photosensitive material, i.e. semiconductor material
Implementation Method 2
a separate frame with cooling means to minimize dead space and maintain a large, continuous detector area
Data Source
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AI summary
A photon-counting imaging device for single x-ray counting is disclosed, comprising: a) an assembly of a number of photon-counting imaging modules (18) which are connected to generate a flat detector plane; b) each photon counting imaging module (18) comprising: c) an L-shaped support structure (2) being connectable with adjacent support structures (2); d) a monolithic pixellated semiconductor detector layer (16) and a high gain, low noise readout unit being bump- bonded to the detector layer (16); e) said detector layer (16) and said readout unit being sandwiched to the lower surface (12) of the horizontal leg (4) of the L-shaped support layer (2), wherein the detector layer (16) covers the complete lower surface (4); f) an module control board (22) for data collection and controlling the readout unit; said module control board (22) being disposed on the inner surface (20) of the vertical leg (6) of the L-shaped support layer (2); and g) said module control board (22) and said readout unit being connected via at least one opening (8) which is disposed in the horizontal leg (4) of the L-shaped support structure (2). These features allow to build an imaging device having a large detector area comprising dead detector area only to an negligible extend at the contact lines of adjacent imaging modules since any electrical contact is achieved in a direction substantially vertically to the detector plane. By providing the contact openings in the horizontal legs of the L-shaped support any contact with the evaluation electronic can be achieved on the backplane of the dectector and readout unit assembly without deteoring the active detector area.