Scintillating Fiber Bundle Manufacturing via Pressure Infusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coherent bundles of scintillating fibers used for x-ray detection have limitations in achieving high resolution images due to the size of the scintillators, which restricts the maximum resolution that can be imaged.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing coherent bundles of scintillating fibers involves using a collimated glass preform with capillaries and a polymer matrix infused with scintillating nanoparticles, where controlled pressure is applied to force the polymer matrix into the capillaries while maintaining back pressure to prevent bundle failure, using a pressure vessel and an anvil to manage the pressure and tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pressure is applied to force polymer matrix into capillaries, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the collimated bundle may fail due to excessive tension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber bundle coherenceVSAvoidbundle integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Back pressure is applied to the collimated bundle before and during the pressure infusion process to counteract the tensile forces that would otherwise cause bundle failure. This preliminary counter-action prevents the harmful effect of excessive tension while allowing the beneficial pressure-driven infusion to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The back pressure system acts as a counterbalancing force against the forward pressure applied to the polymer matrix. By applying equal and opposite pressure to the collimated bundle, the system neutralizes the net tensile stress that would compromise bundle integrity during the infusion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Measurement precision

If small diameter scintillating fibers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray image resolutionVSAvoidfiber bundle fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical assembly process is replaced by pressure-driven infusion of the polymer matrix into the capillaries. This substitution eliminates the need for delicate mechanical handling of individual small-diameter fibers, which would be extremely difficult and time-consuming, while achieving the same goal of filling the capillaries with scintillating material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic) is used to drive the polymer matrix infused with scintillating nanoparticles into the capillaries of the collimated bundle. This approach enables uniform filling of small-diameter capillaries without requiring direct mechanical manipulation, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving high resolution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 approach increases the resolution of x-ray images to the single-digit micron range, surpassing current limitations of computed axial tomography (CAT) and digital x-ray detectors, enabling more accurate imaging in medical, engineering, and scientific applications.

Implementation Method 1

Pressure is applied to the polymer matrix, driving it into the capillaries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Incident x-rays activate the scintillators in individual fibers, which then emit visible light to the camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

a back pressure is applied to the collimated bundle thereby reducing the risk of failure of the collimated bundle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBack pressure support: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9611168B2Method and apparatus for creating coherent bundle of scintillating fibers

Publication Date: 2017.04.04 BROWN UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method and apparatus to manufacture a coherent bundle of scintillating fibers is disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a polymer matrix of a transparent polymer and nanoparticle scintillators is placed on top of a collimated bundle having a plurality of capillaries and pressed in a pressure vessel until the polymer matrix is forced into the capillaries. Pressure is applied via an anvil on top of the polymer matrix. To prevent fracturing of the collimated bundle during pressing, back pressure is supplied to the pressure vessel via a valve, which controls a supply of high pressure gas. Alternatively, the back pressure may also be supplied by a press (and or pressure) and support to the collimated bundle is provided by a high melting point thermoplastic. Heat may be applied to the polymer matrix via the anvil to speed the pressing operation due to the viscosity of the polymer.