Carestream Engineers Break the Mold with Robust Glass-free DR Detector
Reading Time: 5 minutes read
New Lux 35 detectors weigh almost 2 pounds less than DRX-Plus Detectors
What is more robust than a traditional detector? Weighs less than a traditional detector? And can improve staff and patient satisfaction? Answer: the new glass-free, ergonomically-designed Lux 35 Detector, Carestream’s newest and most advanced detector. The sleek, new design of the lightweight detector makes it ideal for mobile imaging and table-top exams.
In this blog, Everything Rad explores how Carestream engineers achieved this breakthrough in detector design.
Breaking the glass barrier
Detectors used for medical imaging have a sophisticated glass sensor for image capture. But as everyone knows, glass is fragile.
“Our engineering and manufacturing teams have been on a mission to make detectors more robust, and the key to that is eliminating the glass,” said Todd Bogumil, lead mechanical engineer on the Lux 35 Detector design initiative.
Coming up with an alternative to glass for the detector’s sensor required extensive testing of different materials.
“We understand the challenges of glass and how it behaves. But each new material we explored required an understanding of their limits and challenges. It required considerable mathematical modeling and behavioral testing until we came up with the ideal solution that was more robust and still delivers the high-quality image capture that Carestream is known for,” said Bogumil.
Fortunately, the team could build on Carestream’s previous experience delivering a very rugged, glass-free detector to the non-destructive testing market.
Reducing radiographer fatigue and improving patient care
Using non-glass material for the sensor enabled the design team to eliminate the structures that support the glass – resulting in a weight reduction of almost 2 pounds. The Lux 35 Detector weighs just over 5 lbs. (2.4 kgs.) with a battery. In contrast, the DRX Plus Detector weighs 6.99 (3.2 kgs) pounds with a battery. Without a battery, the Lux 35 Detector weighs in at a slim 4.7 lbs. (2.1 kgs.). The lighter weight and sleek ergonomic design of the Lux 35 Detector will help reduce fatigue for radiographers.
Another design improvement that will benefit radiographers is the addition of finger grips on three sides of the Lux 35 Detector.
“Radiographers are always multi-tasking,” explained Bogumil, who spends time in medical facilities observing imaging workflows and challenges. “They hold a 7-pound detector in one hand while supporting and helping a patient with the other hand. It’s hard to hold the detector securely in one hand, especially as the shift goes on and they become fatigued. The lighter weight and the finger grips on the Lux 35 Detector will give them a more secure grip and allow for easier positioning.”
The engineering team also made positioning more comfortable for patients. The Lux 35 Detector has rounded corners and beveled edges on all four sides. This makes the detector more comfortable for patients when it is positioned behind them.
Increased durability for stronger ROI
In addition to being lighter, the more resilient design of the Lux 35 Detector improves its durability and helps reduce the total cost of ownership. The glass-free sensor is more durable especially if the detector is bumped or dropped.
In addition, the detector’s lighter weight and improved handling features help minimize accidental bumps and drops that can damage the detector. Reduced risk of drops and breaking means less downtime and replacement or repair costs.
“There is an increase in mobile imaging and that means more movement and more opportunities to drop or damage detectors,” said Kevin Odorczyk, product line manager for detectors at Carestream. “Having a more rugged detector can result in less downtime for imaging facilities and reduced total cost of ownership.”
The Lux 35 Detector has the same IP rating (IP57) as Carestream’s DRX Plus Detectors.
Total cost of ownership also gets a boost from X-Factor sharing. Like the Carestream DRX Plus Detectors, it can be used with other DRX equipment so it can be moved to where it is needed most. Additionally, highly visible LED lights on all four sides of the detector give radiographers easy visibility into the status of the Detector, and an informational display on the detector provides detailed information, so they know when it is time to switch out a low battery- and avoid downtime.
“This innovative detector is the result of Carestream’s focus on the customer,” emphasized Odorczyk. “We don’t limit our thinking to ‘how can we improve the functions of a detector? Instead, we ask, ‘how can we make the lives of people who come in contact with the detector better?’ With this new modern technical and ergonomic design, we have leapfrogged beyond what people normally think of when they think of a detector.”
Learn more about the Lux 35 Detector.
#carestreamcares #glassfreedetector #luxdetector
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Katie Kilfoyle Remis is the editor of Everything Rad and the global digital medica manager at Carestream Health. Have an idea for a blog? Contact her at katie.remis@carestream.com or 1+585-627-6755.
