Integrated Anti-Scatter Grid Mounting for X-Ray Detector Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray detectors in CT devices face challenges with alignment tolerances between anti-scatter grids and sensor units, leading to reduced image quality due to scattered radiation, and require complex and costly mounting processes.

Innovation Solution

A detector module design where the sensor unit is fixed directly onto an anti-scatter grid in a stacking arrangement, with collimator walls aligned parallel to the radiation path, and secured using fastening means on a carrier unit, eliminating alignment tolerances and allowing precise mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If adhesive bonding is used to join the anti-scatter grid to the sensor unit, then the mounting process is simple, but the alignment precision and mechanical stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting process simplicityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anti-scatter grid and sensor unit into a single integrated module where the anti-scatter grid is formed as one piece with the sensor unit support structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate adhesive bonding and ensures precise alignment between components while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through monolithic construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-scatter grid structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sensor unit, ensures precise alignment through its integrated design, and performs the anti-scatter radiation function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms and adhesive bonding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate mounting of sensor unit and anti-scatter grid on module carrier is used, then flexibility in assembly is improved, but tolerance accumulation increases and positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor unit and anti-scatter grid into a single integrated module that is mounted as one unit on the carrier. This eliminates multiple mounting steps and intermediate positioning operations, thereby eliminating tolerance accumulation while maintaining assembly flexibility through modular module design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-scatter grid and sensor unit are pre-assembled and aligned into a precise integrated module before mounting on the carrier. This preliminary action ensures precise positioning is achieved during final installation rather than requiring precision to be maintained through multiple separate mounting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If three-dimensional anti-scatter grids are used to suppress scattered radiation in radial and axial directions, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidgrid structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the three-dimensional anti-scatter grid structure with the sensor unit support into a single monolithic component. This integration maintains the complex 3D geometry needed for effective scattered radiation suppression in both radial and axial directions while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating separate structural elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-scatter grid is constructed from materials and structural designs that optimize scattered radiation suppression while maintaining mechanical integrity. The integrated design allows use of composite construction methods that reduce complexity while preserving the 3D anti-scatter functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enhances image quality by effectively suppressing scattered radiation and simplifies the mounting process, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining structural integrity under imaging forces.

Implementation Method 1

collimator walls aligned to suppress scattered radiation effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

suppress the scattered radiation resulting during a scan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattered radiation: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

sensor unit for detecting X-rays

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12618986B2Detector module for an X-ray detector

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A detector module for an X-ray detector includes at least one sensor unit for detecting X-rays, and at least one anti-scatter grid in a stacking arrangement with the at least one sensor unit. The at least one sensor unit is fixed in place on the at least one anti-scatter grid. The at least one anti-scatter grid includes a fastener for securely mounting the detector module on a carrier unit of the X-ray detector.