Mobile device designed to support an ionizing radiation detector

Abstract

Mobile device (1), intended to support an ionizing radiation detector, comprising: a bar (4), extending between a handle (5) and an axle (3); a wheel (2), extending around the axle, configured to roll on the ground so as to move the device; a support (10), connected to the bar (4), intended to hold the detector, the support being mobile relative to the bar; the device being characterized in that the axle (3) is the only axle of the device.

Description

Title of the invention: Mobile device for supporting an ionizing radiation detector. Technical field

[0001] The technical field of the invention is the characterization of an environment, in particular the environment of a nuclear installation. EARLIER ART

[0002] During the operation of a nuclear facility, or following its operation, it is necessary to periodically carry out radiological monitoring within the facility, as well as in the surrounding environment. To this end, in-situ measurement campaigns are conducted, during which an ionizing radiation detector is deployed in the field.

[0003] This could be a flowmeter-type detector, allowing the estimation of an irradiation level, for example a dose rate, or a level representative of a dose rate. The detector could also be a spectrometric detector, allowing the identification of the radionuclides generating the irradiation.

[0004] However, using a spectrometric detector requires a more expensive detector and a longer acquisition time, which can range from several minutes to tens of minutes. This is because environmental radiation levels due to natural radioactivity can be significant. Distinguishing between artificial and natural radioactivity may require a fairly long acquisition time, during which the detector must remain stationary.

[0005] Regardless of the type of measurement, it can be useful to have good traceability of the location of the measurement points. This makes it possible, during successive measurement campaigns, to place the detector in positions that are as close as possible.

[0006] Numerous devices have been developed to facilitate the movement of nuclear measuring instruments within nuclear facilities. Document WO2023222641 describes a four-wheeled trolley for moving and orienting a gamma spectrometry measuring instrument, particularly for monitoring nuclear facilities undergoing decommissioning. While this type of trolley is suitable for construction site environments, it is not well-suited for outdoor use, particularly on potentially uneven terrain or steep slopes, due to its size and weight.

[0007] The invention described below meets the need for a simple, lightweight carrier compatible with outdoor use on uneven terrain, in It must be able to be handled by a single user. The device must also allow for reproducible measurements, while maintaining a certain distance from the ground. Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the invention is a mobile device, intended to support an ionizing radiation detector, comprising: - a bar, forming a handle, extending between a grip and an axle; - a wheel, extending around the axle, configured to roll on the ground of way to move the device; - a support, connected to the bar, intended to hold the detector, the support being mobile relative to the bar; - the device being characterized in that the axle is the only axle of the device.

[0009] According to one possibility, the bar is mobile in rotation around the axle.

[0010] According to one possibility, the support is mobile in translation along the bar.

[0011] According to one possibility, the support is tiltable relative to the bar, according to several angles of inclination.

[0012] According to one possibility, the support is movable in rotation about an axis of rotation offset from the bar. The axis of rotation may be parallel to the bar or intersecting the bar.

[0013] Preferably, the device includes a support leg, rotatable relative to the bar, the support leg being configured to hold the device stationary. The support leg may have two parts, extending on either side of the wheel, each part being rotatable relative to the bar, independently of each other.

[0014] The invention will be better understood upon reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented later in this description, in connection with the figures listed below. FIGURES

[0015] Figures 1 to 3 represent an example of a device according to the invention.

[0016] Fig. 4 represents a detail of the device's support leg.

[0017] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the chassis settings allowing the detector to be oriented relative to the device bar. PRESENTATION OF SPECIFIC IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0018] Figures 1 to 3 represent an example of device 1 according to the invention. The device comprises a wheel 2, free to rotate about a single axle 3, the latter extending about a first axis AL. The wheel is intended to roll on the ground.

[0019] The device comprises a bar 4, extending between a first end 5 and a second end 6. The first end 5 forms a gripping means for the The device takes the form of a handle. The bar 4 can be telescopic. The bar forms a handle for the device.

[0020] The axle 3 is arranged perpendicularly to the bar, between the first end 5 and the second end 6, and at a short distance, typically a few cm, from the second end 6. The bar 4 has a straight portion extending along a second axis A2. In the example shown, the device 1 has a single wheel 2. According to one embodiment, two twin wheels can be placed around the axle 3. In this case, the two wheels 2 rotate about the first axis AL. The first axis Al and the second axis A2 are perpendicular.

[0021] An important aspect of the device is that it has only one axle 3, or one axis of rotation A1, around which the wheel or wheels rotate. This allows for easy handling of the device using the handle. The diameter of the wheel 2 is preferably greater than 15 cm or 20 cm, which allows for easy use on rough terrain or unpaved paths, for example, dirt or gravel roads. In the example shown, the device has a single wheel. It is possible to have several wheels, for example, two wheels, rotating around the first axis A1

[0022] The bar 4 is movable in rotation around the axle 3, which facilitates the manipulation of the device. The mechanical design of the device is similar to that of an odometer. An odometer is used to measure a distance, often a considerable one. The inventors intuited that the structure of an odometer was suitable for a use other than that for which it was designed. Here, the purpose is not to measure a distance, but to move an ionizing radiation detector.

[0023] The device includes a support 10, intended to hold a detector, in particular an ionizing radiation detector. In the example shown, the support takes the form of a cylindrical cradle connected to a plate. The detector can be inserted and fixed in the support 10.

[0024] The support is attached to a frame 11, allowing the support 10 to be moved relative to the bar 4, along several degrees of freedom. The frame 11 is connected to the bar 4 by a ring 18. The ring 18 is preferably configured to slide along the bar 4 and to lock the translation along the bar by means of clamping means 19 visible in [Fig. 5A]. Thus, the frame 11 is movable in translation along the bar 4, along a second axis A2. The bar 4 may have parallel grooves distributed along its length. The gap between two successive grooves is preferably identical, so that the grooves form graduations. Each groove allows the position of the frame 11 to be located along the bar 4. This makes it possible to position the frame in fixed and repeatable positions.

[0025] Chassis 11 comprises: - a slide 12 in which a key 13 slides, connected to the support 10. The slide has different openings, defining locking positions of the key 13, each position being able to be locked by the insertion of a pin in one of the openings: see figures 5A to 5C; - a first knob 14, allowing the support 10 to be moved relative to the slide 12, rotating around a third axis A3; - a second knob 15, allowing to lock or release a rotation of the chassis 10 around a fourth axis A4, the fourth axis being offset in relation to the bar, by being intersecting, or alternatively parallel, to the latter.

[0026] The device includes a plate 9, extending from the bar 4, and configured to support a computer connected to the detector, allowing the control and recording of acquisitions. The plate can also support a GPS (Global Positioning System) geolocation module.

[0027] The device includes a support 7, configured to maintain the device in a stable, stationary position, even on uneven ground. Indeed, certain measurements require the radiation detector to be positioned in a stable location for the duration of the measurement acquisition, which can last several minutes, or even several tens of minutes. This is the case, for example, when the detector is a spectrometry detector, as acquiring a spectrum requires a certain acquisition time, as described in the prior art.

[0028] As shown in [Fig. 1], the support 7 comprises two parts 7b 72 extending on either side of a plane containing the wheel 2. Each part is rotatable relative to the bar 4, independently of the other. The inclination of the first part 71 relative to the bar 4 is adjustable independently of the inclination of the second part 72. This allows the device to remain stable when the ground is sloped. The rotation of the two parts 7i, 72 is detailed in [Fig. 4].

[0029] In [Fig.2], an angle of inclination α of the support relative to the bar 4 is shown. An angle of inclination 0 of the support 10 relative to the slide 12 is also shown. Changing the angle of inclination 0 allows the inclination of the support 10 relative to the bar 4 to be adjusted. The translation of the chassis 11 along the bar 4 is schematically represented by a double arrow.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of a device with the main dimensions, given by way of non-limiting reason.

[0031] Fig. 4 details the adjustment of each part 7b 72 composing the stand 7. Each part is configured to rotate around an 8b 82 toothed wheel, and to to fit into a notch of each toothed wheel according to the inclination chosen by the user.

[0032] Figure 5A details the rotational adjustment of the support 10 relative to the slide 12, around the third axis A3: see double arrow Fl. Depending on the position of the key 13, when the knob 14 is unlocked, the support 10 can be moved closer to or further from the slide 12. The extreme positions of the support 10 relative to the slide 12 are shown in Figures 5B and 5C, respectively. Figure 5B shows the configuration in which angle θ is minimal (in this case, zero). Figure 5C illustrates the configuration in which angle θ is maximal.

[0033] In [Fig. 5A], the rotation of the chassis 11 around the fourth axis A4 is indicated by a double arrow F2. Rotation is possible by unlocking it using the knob 15. The translation of the chassis 11 along the bar 4 is also indicated by the double arrow F3. The translation is locked or unlocked by acting on the clamping means 19 of the ring 18 around the bar 4.

[0034] The device can be used to move an ionizing radiation detector, such as a flowmeter or gamma spectrometer, in the field. It is a user-friendly, compact, and lightweight device, weighing less than 5 kg. Therefore, such a device can be operated by a single person. The movement of the support 10, along several degrees of freedom relative to the bar 4, allows measurements to be taken at predetermined and repeatable positions and orientations. The single-axle design, combined with a sufficiently large wheel, allows for operation on paths or uneven terrain.

Claims

Demands

1. Mobile device (1), intended to support an ionizing radiation detector, comprising: - a bar (4), forming a handle, extending between a handle (5) and an axle (3); - a wheel (2), extending around the axle, configured to roll on the ground so as to move the device; - a support (10), connected to the bar (4), intended to hold the detector, the support being movable relative to the bar; - the device being characterized in that the axle (3) is the only axle of the device.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the bar is movable in rotation about the axle.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is movable in translation along the bar.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is tiltable relative to the bar, at several angles of inclination.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is mobile in rotation about an axis of rotation (D4) offset from the bar.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support (7), movable in rotation relative to the bar, the support being configured to keep the device immobile.

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the kickstand comprises two parts (7b 72), extending on either side of the wheel, each part being rotationally movable, relative to the bar, independently of each other.

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