Radiation Detector Moisture Protection via Nested Light Reflective Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray image detectors face challenges in preventing moisture from reaching the scintillator layer, which can lead to deterioration of the scintillator's characteristics, reducing the efficiency of X-ray conversion to light and affecting image quality.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector design that includes a photo-electric conversion substrate with a detection area and a non-detection area, a scintillator layer in the detection area, a frame-shaped sealant around the scintillator, a moisture-proof cover above the scintillator, and a light reflective layer between the scintillator and the moisture-proof cover, all working together to suppress moisture reaching the scintillator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a moisture-proof cover is provided above the scintillator layer, then moisture protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture-proof cover is nested within the existing detector structure, with the light reflective layer positioned between the scintillator layer and the moisture-proof cover. This nested arrangement provides moisture protection while minimizing additional structural complexity by utilizing the existing layered architecture of the detector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The light reflective layer serves as an intermediary element between the scintillator layer and the moisture-proof cover. It not only provides optical functionality to enhance light collection efficiency but also acts as a protective barrier that contributes to moisture protection, thereby reducing the need for separate protective structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a light reflective layer is provided between the scintillator layer and the moisture-proof cover, then light collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light reflective layer is merged with the moisture-proof cover assembly, combining the optical reflection function with the moisture protection function in a single integrated structure. This merging approach enhances light collection efficiency while avoiding the need for separate, additional protective layers that would increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light reflective layer performs multiple functions: it reflects light back to the photo-electric conversion substrate to improve light collection efficiency, and simultaneously serves as part of the moisture-proof barrier system. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to address both optical performance and environmental protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the moisture-proof cover is directly adhered to the sealant, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The light reflective layer acts as an intermediary between the sealant and the moisture-proof cover. This intermediary layer provides a suitable bonding surface for the moisture-proof cover, enhancing sealing reliability by ensuring proper adhesion, while the overall assembly remains manufacturable through a systematic layer-by-layer construction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prevents moisture from reaching the scintillator layer, thereby maintaining the scintillator's efficiency and image quality, while also allowing for the reuse of expensive photo-electric conversion substrates and reducing final product costs.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator layer provided on the photo-electric conversion substrate and located in at least the detection area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a light reflective layer provided between the scintillator layer and the moisture-proof cover, fixed to the moisture-proof cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a frame-shaped sealant located in the non-detection area, surrounding the scintillator layer, and adhered to the photo-electric conversion substrate; and a moisture-proof cover provided above the scintillator layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4550003A1Radiation detector
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 CANON ELECTRON TUBES & DEVICES CO LTD
  • EP4550003A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4550003A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4550003A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a radiation detector that is able to suppress the arrival of moisture on a scintillator layer. This radiation detector comprises a photoelectric conversion substrate, the scintillator layer, a frame-like sealing part adhered to the photoelectric conversion substrate, a moisture-proof cover, and a light reflection layer. The light reflection layer is provided between the scintillator layer and the moisture-proof cover, is fixed to the moisture-proof cover, and is positioned in at least a detection region of the photoelectric conversion substrate. The moisture-proof cover is adhered directly to the sealing part and covers the scintillator layer as well as the photoelectric conversion substrate and the sealing part.