This application is related in certain respects to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/603,424, having a U.S. 371(c) date of Oct. 7, 2019, and an international filing date of May 15, 2015, in the name of Wojcik, et al., and entitled FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE MODULE AND FABRICATION METHOD, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to digital x-ray imaging of objects using a flexible enclosure configured to secure a flexible digital radiographic detector to objects to be radiographically imaged.

The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A flexible digital radiographic detector assembly uses a conformable bag having granular media therein to enclose the detector and to help fit the detector onto a curved object. The conformable bag is evacuated to hold the detector against the object to be imaged. An image of the object is acquired by aiming x-rays through the object toward the detector. An advantage that may be realized in the practice of some disclosed embodiments of the conformable detector is to simplify securing radiographic detectors to surfaces of objects.

The present disclosure is directed to an enclosure resembling a sac, envelope, bag, or pouch, formed from an elastomeric material and enclosing a cavity therewithin. A flexible digital radiographic (DR) detector is disposed within the cavity together with granular structures and a gas, such as air, thereby enclosing all the components within the enclosure.

The granular media, such as sand, ground coffee or similar material, is mixed with air such that the enclosure, with flexible detector inside, conforms readily around an object to be imaged. After the enclosure is shaped to conform around the object to be imaged, the enclosure may be air-evacuated, i.e., depressurized or vacuum compressed, to tighten the enclosure around the granular media and thereby fix the enclosure against the object to be imaged. A sealable opening, channel or valve may be incorporated into the elastomeric enclosure to allow communication between the air space within the enclosure and an air pressure source configured to apply positive or negative air pressure thereto. The air pressure source may be powered by an electric motor, pressurized tank, or it may be a manually operated air pump.

In one embodiment, a digital radiographic detector assembly includes a conformable bag, a flexible digital radiographic detector enclosed by the bag, and granular media enclosed by the bag. An opening in the bag is used to evacuate air therefrom, and to compress the granular media and to stiffen the assembly.

In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a flexible digital radiographic detector, enclosing the detector in a conformable bag, adding granular media into the bag, manually positioning the bag on an object to be radiographically imaged, and evacuating air from the bag.

In one embodiment, a method comprises enclosing a digital radiographic detector and granular media in a conformable bag. The conformable bag is then position on a surface of an object. Air is evacuated from the bag and the object is exposed to x-rays. A radiographic image of the object is captured in the detector.

This brief description of the invention is intended only to provide a brief overview of subject matter disclosed herein according to one or more illustrative embodiments, and does not serve as a guide to interpreting the claims or to define or limit the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims. This brief description is provided to introduce an illustrative selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This brief description is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in the background.

