Two-Direction Bendable Radiation Detector for Curved Pipe Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detectors are unable to effectively capture high-quality images of pipes of various sizes and shapes while being easily insertable and deformable to fit the inner surface, and they lack a miniaturized design for close contact with objects.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector with a detector panel and protection panels that are bendable in two directions, supported by a flexible support member, and a connector structure optimized for a thin film transistor, allowing for close contact and stable imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the radiation detector is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then imaging stability is improved, but the ability to conform to pipe surfaces and perform non-destructive inspection of various shapes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging stabilityVSAvoidability to conform to pipe surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into multiple segments or modules that can independently flex and bend. The detector panel is segmented into multiple detectable elements that can be independently activated, allowing the rigid detection function to coexist with flexible structural segments that conform to curved pipe surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detector incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition between rigid and flexible states. The support member includes flexible joints and connection structures that enable the detector to adapt its shape to match the inspected object while maintaining functional stability during imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the radiation detector is miniaturized to achieve close contact with objects, then imaging quality is improved, but the structural strength and stability to maintain consistent imaging are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The detector employs thin-film technologies for the detector panel and support structures. These thin films provide sufficient mechanical strength while maintaining flexibility and enabling miniaturization, allowing close contact with pipe surfaces without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The detector uses composite material structures combining rigid and flexible materials in layered configurations. This allows the detector to maintain structural strength for stable imaging while being miniaturized to achieve close contact with inspected objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the detector panel is made flexible to conform to curved surfaces, then adaptability to various pipe shapes is improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of the detector structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to curved surfacesVSAvoidstructural consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detector panel and support member are pre-formed with specific curvature radii and geometric configurations during manufacturing. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the detector is assembled and used, it maintains structural consistency and precision while being able to conform to curved pipe surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250216561A1Radiation detector bendable in two directions

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 DRTECH CORP

AI summary

This radiation detector comprises: a detector panel; a front and a rear protection panel disposed on either side of the detector panel; and a support member supporting the detector panel and the front and rear protection panels. The detector panel and the front and rear protection panels are configured so as to be able to bend together in two directions.