Adjustable Slit Plates for Radiation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detection systems have limited efficiency in imaging objects with varying dimensions, particularly in radioactive detection, where minimizing radiation exposure is crucial and high resolution is not always necessary.

Innovation Solution

The system employs adjustable slit plates with moveable slits and framing devices to adjust sensitivity and magnification, allowing for various 'zoom' settings and improved angular information capture, enabling efficient detection of objects with different dimensions while minimizing radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed slit configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the detection efficiency and flexibility for objects of different dimensions are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiency for objects of different dimensionsVSAvoidslit plate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements movable slit plates with adjustable positions and orientations. The first and second slit plates can be displaced along the radiation path and rotated around the radiation source, transforming the fixed configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to different object dimensions and detection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable slit configuration allows a single device to perform multiple detection functions for various object sizes and types. By modifying slit positions, orientations, and openings, the same apparatus can optimize detection efficiency for small animals, human patients, or different anatomical regions without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If high resolution imaging is prioritized, then image quality improves, but radiation exposure increases and measuring time extends

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidmeasuring speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of slit parameters (position, orientation, opening size) to optimize the balance between resolution and measurement speed. For routine detections, slits can be configured for faster acquisition with acceptable resolution, while high-resolution modes can be activated only when clinically necessary, reducing overall radiation exposure and measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If slit width is increased to improve sensitivity, then detection sensitivity increases, but image resolution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable slit plates enable dynamic adjustment of slit width and configuration. The system can adaptively select optimal slit openings based on detection requirements - wider slits for sensitivity-critical applications and narrower slits for resolution-critical applications - rather than being constrained to fixed dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric slit configurations where the first and second slit plates have different orientations and positions. This asymmetric arrangement creates optimized detection geometries that can simultaneously achieve good sensitivity and resolution by controlling the angular distribution of radiation passing through the slits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 approach enhances the detection system's flexibility and efficiency, allowing for faster measurements with better noise reduction and more accurate isotope distribution reconstruction, while maintaining low radiation exposure.

Implementation Method 1

a detector plate (40) that is sensitive to radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the first and second slits together define a pinhole passage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric projection through pinhole aperture: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP1984926B1A radiation detection device comprising two slit plates
Publication Date: 2017.12.27 MILABS BV
  • EP1984926B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP1984926B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~6
  • EP1984926B1 patent drawingFigure 7~12

AI summary

The invention provides a radiation detection system, comprising a detector plate that is sensitive to radiation, and an imaging system that is arranged to form an image of an object to be examined on the detector plate and that comprises a first slit plate with at least a first slit, and a second slit plate that is positioned between the first slit plate and the detector plate and with a second slit that makes a non-zero angle with the first slit, wherein the first and second slit together define a pinhole passage, wherein at least one of the at least one first and second slits may be changed in least one of its width or its position with respect to at least one of the other of the at least one first and second slits and the detector plate. With the radiation detection device according to the invention, it is achieved that many more settings of the device become possible for examination with radiation.