X-ray Detection Device Filter Holder Slit Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray detection devices with close line sensors face challenges in flexibly changing detection sensitivity across various energy ranges, as replacing scintillators or filters is difficult, especially when sensors are large and independent, making it hard to apply to configurations with narrow sensor spacing.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detection device with a filter holder that positions a filter to cover a slit, allowing a second line sensor to detect attenuated radiation, enabling easy adjustment of detection sensitivity by changing filters, and using scintillators with different performances above each line sensor to reduce component count and improve sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If two line sensors are disposed close to each other to reduce the dead-zone region, then manufacturing precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to flexibly change detection sensitivity across various energy ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor spacingVSAvoiddetection sensitivity adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detection device is segmented into multiple independent detection regions (first detection region with first line sensor, second detection region with second line sensor) that can operate with different filter configurations. This allows each sensor to be optimized for specific energy ranges while maintaining close physical spacing to reduce dead zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder structure provides universal support for multiple filter types that can be selectively positioned. The same holder and sensor infrastructure supports detection across various energy bands by simply changing which filter is in place, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate sensor assemblies for each energy range.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a filter is added to adjust detection sensitivity for various energy ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy range detectionVSAvoidfilter positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter holder is merged with the housing structure, integrating the filter positioning function into the existing device framework. This combination eliminates the need for separate, complex filter mounting mechanisms while still providing the capability to selectively position different filters for various energy range detections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the interaction between filters and sensors. Instead of directly complex filter-sensor mounting, the holder mediates this interaction by providing a standardized interface for filter placement, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the scintillator is replaced to change detection sensitivity, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection energy rangeVSAvoidfilter replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is extracted as a separate, independently replaceable component from the sensor assembly. This extraction allows the filter to be changed without disturbing or replacing the scintillator or line sensors, making adaptation to different energy ranges operationally simple while preserving the integrity of the sensitive detection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If line sensors are made large and independent to simplify construction, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to larger dead-zone regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor constructionVSAvoidsensor spacing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each line sensor maintains its independent, simple construction with standard dimensions for ease of manufacture. However, the local quality of the spacing between sensors is optimized by positioning them as closely as possible, creating a high-precision region between the otherwise simple components. This allows each sensor to be easily manufactured while achieving high overall spatial resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 easy adjustment of detection sensitivity across various energy bands with reduced adverse effects from scattered radiation, allowing for high sensitivity detection of transmitted radiation by closely spaced line sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a filter that attenuates a part of the incident radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAttenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

it is required to change the scintillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentEP3396419B1Radiation detection device, radiation testing system, and method for adjusting radiation detection device
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3396419B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396419B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396419B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

An X-ray detection device 10 is a device that detects X-rays having transmitted through a test subject, and comprises a filter 50 that attenuates some of X-rays, a detector 20 that detects the transmitted X-rays partially attenuated by the filter 50, a housing 30, and a holder 40 that has one slit 42. The detector 20 includes a line sensor 21, and a line sensor 22 disposed in parallel and close to the line sensor 21. The holder 40 holds the filter 50 at a predetermined position so that the filter 50 can cover a part of the slit 42, and the line sensor 22 detects the X-rays attenuated by the filter 50.