Patent ID: 8331536

Claim:
An x-ray detector unit comprising: an anti-scatter grid configured to absorb a plurality of scattered x-rays impinging on the anti-scatter grid while substantially allowing un-scattered x-rays to pass through the anti-scatter grid, wherein the anti-scatter grid is free of at least one of a top cover and a bottom cover; a flat panel x-ray detector comprising an x-ray conversion layer, the x-ray conversion layer configured to convert an x-ray into one of a visible light and an electronic signal, wherein the flat panel x-ray detector is fixed relative to the anti-scatter grid such that the anti-scatter grid remains stationary relative to the flat panel x-ray detector during operation of the x-ray detector; an integrated anti-scatter grid assembly configured to provide structural support to the anti-scatter grid and to provide mechanical protection to the flat panel x-ray detector; and a foam-like layer oriented above a top portion of the anti-scatter grid and within a pocket-like portion of the integrated anti-scatter grid assembly comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of the anti-scatter grid is positioned below the bottom portion of the foam-like layer and a portion of the integrated anti-scatter grid assembly separates the top portion of the anti-scatter grid from the bottom portion of the foam-like layer for increasing rigidity of the anti-scatter grid.