X-ray Detector Module Heating Element for Thermal Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature gradients in X-ray detector sensor layers lead to image errors and artifacts in tomographic scans due to uneven heat dissipation, which is exacerbated by components on the support ceramic, making uniform thermal coupling difficult.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a heating element on the support ceramic that covers the areas free from components, which helps in stabilizing the sensor layer temperature and compensating for temperature gradients by regulating the heating output to ensure uniform heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling ribs are used to cool the sensor layer, then heat dissipation is improved, but temperature gradients occur due to components blocking heat flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing heating elements at specific locations on the support ceramic where components are present, rather than using a uniform cooling structure. The heating elements are positioned to compensate for heat flow obstructions caused by components, creating locally adapted thermal zones that maintain uniform temperature across the sensor layer despite the heterogeneous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary anti-action by proactively heating regions that would otherwise be blocked from cooling by components. Instead of trying to remove the components or redesign the cooling structure, the invention pre-compensates for the anticipated heat flow obstruction by applying localized heating, thereby preventing temperature gradients before they occur.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are arranged on the support ceramic, then electrical functions are enabled, but uniform thermal coupling to the heat sink is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains both electronic functionality and thermal uniformity by applying local quality - different regions of the support ceramic are treated differently. Regions with components receive localized heating compensation, while component-free regions use standard thermal coupling to the heat sink, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements act as intermediaries between the components and the heat sink. They mediate the thermal interaction by providing compensatory heating in regions where components block direct heat flow, thereby enabling both the presence of electronic components and uniform thermal coupling to the heat sink.
3Temperature
If heating output is increased to compensate for blocked heat flow, then temperature uniformity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces energy consumption by applying local quality - heating is applied only in specific locations where components block heat flow, rather than heating the entire sensor layer uniformly. This localized approach minimizes the total energy required while achieving the desired temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by applying heating only to the extent necessary to compensate for blocked heat flow paths. Rather than over-heating the entire structure, the heating elements provide just enough localized heating to maintain temperature uniformity, minimizing energy consumption while achieving the thermal compensation goal.
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 solution effectively stabilizes the sensor layer temperature, prevents temperature gradients, and ensures uniform heat dissipation across the sensor layer, improving image quality by maintaining a constant temperature over time.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element (31) is provided which, in a plane of projection perpendicular to the stack formation, at least partially covers at least the area of the support ceramic (19) that is free from the components (29)
Implementation Method 2
a support ceramic (19) by which the sensor layer is thermally coupled to the module support (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A detector module is disclosed for an X-ray detector. In an embodiment, the detector module includes a number of sensor boards arranged adjacent to each other on a module support, each sensor board including, in a stack formation, a sensor layer having a sensor surface and a support ceramic by which the sensor layer is thermally coupled to the module support. A number of elements are arranged on the side of the support ceramic that faces the module support in a stack formation and at least one heating element is included which, in a plane of projection perpendicular to the stack formation, at least partially covers at least the area of the support ceramic that is free from the elements. An X-ray detector including a number of detector modules is also disclosed.