Segmented Radiography Detector Blocks for Pipe Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiography apparatuses for non-destructive testing of pipe welded portions are limited by the inability to immediately display images due to the need for laser irradiation and light emission measurement, and existing digital detector arrays are not flexible enough to adapt to the varying shapes and sizes of pipes.

Innovation Solution

A radiography apparatus comprising a scintillator and a flexible substrate with photoelectric conversion elements, partitioned into separable blocks that can be reconnected, allowing for adjustable shape and size to fit the pipe, along with drive and signal processing circuits to facilitate image capture and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If an imaging plate is used for non-destructive testing, then the test can be performed, but the image cannot be displayed immediately due to the need for laser irradiation and light emission measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage display timeVSAvoidtest efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the imaging plate system that requires laser irradiation and complex light emission measurement with a digital detector array that directly converts radiation to electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming laser scanning process and enables immediate image display, directly resolving the contradiction between image display time and test efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a digital detector array is used, then immediate image display is achieved, but the detector cannot be wound around pipe surfaces due to fixed shape and size constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to pipe shapesVSAvoiddetector configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the digital detector array into multiple separable blocks that can be independently configured and connected. This segmentation allows the detector to be customized in shape and size to match different pipe diameters and geometries, enabling the detector to be wound around pipe surfaces while maintaining digital detection capabilities for immediate image display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic detector configuration where blocks can be connected or disconnected based on the specific testing requirements. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the same detector system to adapt to various pipe shapes and sizes, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed detector designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the detector shape is standardized, then manufacturing is simplified, but the detector cannot be optimized for different pipe diameters and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization for different pipe geometriesVSAvoiddetector manufacturing standardization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detector into standardized modular blocks that can be manufactured using standard processes, while allowing flexible configuration during assembly. This approach maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardization of individual components while achieving geometric optimization for different pipe types through varied block arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables immediate image display and adaptability to different pipe shapes and sizes, improving the flexibility and effectiveness of non-destructive testing by allowing the apparatus to be wound around pipes and facilitating repair by replacing damaged blocks.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator, and a substrate that is laminated on the scintillator and has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements converting light emitted from the scintillator into electric charges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a substrate that is laminated on the scintillator and has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements converting light emitted from the scintillator into electric charges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12117572B2Radiography apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Provided is a radiography apparatus capable of changing the shape and size at an imaging site. A radiography apparatus (1) includes a scintillator (12), and a substrate (11) that is laminated on the scintillator (12) and has a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements (17) converting light emitted from the scintillator (12) into electric charges, in which a laminate including the scintillator (12) and the substrate (11) is partitioned into a plurality of blocks (10A) to (10I), and the blocks are separable from each other.