X-ray Inspection Device with Segmented Scintillator Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspecting apparatuses with numerous detection elements on the X-ray-incident side face high manufacturing costs due to increased assembly complexity and potential discontinuity issues, which can lead to reduced X-ray sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a configuration with multiple detection units aligned in a specific direction, where scintillators and detection main bodies are continuously aligned without gaps, using ceramic bases for support and overhanging elements to ensure continuity and simplify assembly, while maintaining low X-ray source output for broad energy band detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If numerous detection elements are disposed on the X-ray-incident side, then X-ray detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray detection capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection part is divided into multiple detection units, each comprising a scintillator and detection main body. These segmented units are arranged in a specific configuration where scintillators are positioned on the X-ray-incident side while detection elements are placed on the opposite side, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining detection capability across a broad energy band.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If numerous detection elements are disposed on the X-ray-incident side, then X-ray detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing detection elements directly on the X-ray-incident side, the invention inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning scintillators on the X-ray-incident side and detection elements on the opposite side. This inversion allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly processes while still achieving broad energy band detection through the scintillator conversion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If detection elements are disposed on the X-ray-incident side, then direct X-ray detection is achieved, but discontinuity issues reduce sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray sensitivityVSAvoiddetection consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The scintillators perform a preliminary conversion of X-rays to visible light before the detection elements process the signal. This preliminary action ensures continuous and consistent detection across all elements, as the scintillators uniformly convert incident X-rays regardless of minor positional variations, thereby maintaining detection sensitivity and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration allows for effective detection of X-rays across a broad energy band while reducing manufacturing costs and maintaining sensitivity, ensuring continuous element and scintillator alignment for consistent performance.

Implementation Method 1

The scintillators emit visible light rays of a predetermined wavelength band by absorbing X-rays of an energy band higher than the predetermined energy band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

The photodiodes convert the light intensity to electrical signals and output these signals as detection signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3220134B1X-ray inspection device
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP3220134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3220134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3220134B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray inspecting apparatus (10), with which X-rays of a broad energy band can be detected while manufacturing costs are suppressed, comprises an X-ray radiation device (13), a line sensor assembly (14), and other components. The line sensor assembly (14) has a plurality of detection units (41) and other components. Each detection unit (41) has a scintillator (53), a detection main body (52) including a plurality of elements disposed thereon, and a ceramic substrate (51) supporting the scintillator and detection main body. In the line sensor assembly (14), the plurality of detection units (41) etc. are aligned in a forward-backward direction so that the scintillators (53) and the detection main bodies (52) of the detection units (41) etc. are aligned without gaps with the scintillators (53) and detection main bodies (52) of adjacent detection units.