Flexible Radiation Detector Reinforcement for Conversion Layer Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation detectors in radiographic imaging devices are prone to breakage when handled on their own due to the arrangement of the radiation detector and electric circuitry intersecting the stacking direction, with a bending adjustment member spanning over the entirety, which does not adequately protect the conversion layer.

Innovation Solution

The radiation detector incorporates a reinforcement substrate with specific material properties, such as a modulus of elasticity greater than 1 GPa and a coefficient of thermal expansion ratio of 0.5 to 2 with respect to the conversion layer, and a thicker thickness than the base member, to provide additional rigidity and support, while a buffer layer buffers thermal expansion differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a flexible base member is used in the radiation detector, then the weight of the radiographic imaging device is reduced and imaging of the imaging subject is facilitated, but the conversion layer is prone to breakage when the radiation detector is handled on its own

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of radiographic imaging deviceVSAvoidbreakage resistance of conversion layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a flexible base member and a reinforcement substrate. The base member provides flexibility and weight reduction, while the reinforcement substrate provides mechanical strength and breakage resistance. This composite approach allows the radiation detector to maintain both lightweight properties and structural integrity, preventing conversion layer breakage during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation detector is divided into functionally distinct components: a flexible base member for weight reduction and flexibility, a reinforcement substrate for mechanical strength, and a conversion layer for radiation detection. By segmenting the structure into these independent functional elements, each component can be optimized for its specific purpose while working together to solve the overall contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the radiation detector and electric circuitry are arranged in a direction intersecting the stacking direction with a bending adjustment member spanning over the entirety, then the structural integrity is improved, but the conversion layer remains vulnerable to breakage during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbreakage resistance of conversion layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite structure where the reinforcement substrate is stacked with the conversion layer and base member. This multi-layer composite configuration provides comprehensive mechanical support throughout the entire radiation detector, including areas not covered by the bending adjustment member, thereby preventing conversion layer breakage during handling while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement substrate extends in the stacking direction (vertical dimension) rather than only in the planar direction. This three-dimensional configuration provides mechanical support from multiple directions simultaneously, protecting the conversion layer from breakage during handling while maintaining the intersecting arrangement of radiation detector and electric circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively suppresses breakage of the conversion layer during handling and manufacturing processes, enhancing the durability and reliability of the radiation detector.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer layer buffers thermal expansion differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

a buffer layer buffers thermal expansion differences

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a conversion layer such as a scintillator to convert radiation into light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentEP3770641B1Radiation detector, radiological imaging device, and production method
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP3770641B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3770641B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3770641B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation detector including: a substrate formed with plural pixels that accumulate electrical charges generated in response to light converted from radiation in a pixel region at an opposite-side surface of a base member to a surface including a fine particle layer; the base member being flexible and is made of resin and that includes a fine particle layer containing inorganic fine particles having a mean particle size of from 0.05 µm to 2.5 µm, a conversion layer provided at the surface of the base member provided with the pixel region and configured to convert the radiation into light; and a reinforcement substrate provided to at least one out of a surface on the substrate side of a stacked body configured by stacking the substrate and the conversion layer, or a surface on the conversion layer side of the stacked body.