Autonomous Detector for Hazardous Area Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nuclear measurement systems for assessing radiological and chemical toxicity on contaminated sites are limited by distance constraints, leading to operator exposure risks, incomplete measurements, and lack of reactivity during accidental events, and require time-consuming and risky multiple interventions for data refinement.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous detector with embedded sensors, geolocation means, and a wireless transmitter, housed in a flexible and sealed casing, allowing for remote deployment via drones and real-time data transmission, which can be used to create automatic cartography and reduce exposure risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional nuclear measurement systems are used with operators positioned at short distances, then measurement precision is improved, but operator exposure to radiological and chemical toxicity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an autonomous detector as an intermediary device that performs measurements in hazardous zones without human presence. The detector includes a sealed casing that isolates the sensor from contaminants, wireless transmission capabilities for real-time data delivery, and autonomous power supply, thereby eliminating direct operator exposure while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual measurement with an autonomous electronic detection system. The traditional approach requiring operator presence and manual operation is substituted by an automated detector that navigates, measures, and transmits data independently, eliminating the need for human operators to be physically present in hazardous environments
2Measurement precision
If traditional nuclear measurement systems are used with point-by-point readings, then measurement precision is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task by deploying multiple autonomous detectors simultaneously across different locations rather than using a single detector for sequential point-by-point measurements. This parallelization maintains the precision of individual measurements while dramatically reducing total acquisition time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic wireless transmission of measurement data at predetermined intervals, allowing continuous monitoring and real-time map updates without requiring continuous operator intervention or sequential measurement points, thereby reducing overall acquisition time while maintaining data quality
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional nuclear measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the autonomous detector to perform multiple functions within a single integrated device: environmental sensing, autonomous navigation, geolocation, wireless communication, and data processing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, maintaining measurement capability while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is designed to be self-sufficient with autonomous power supply (rechargeable battery), self-navigation capabilities, and automatic data transmission. This self-service design eliminates the need for complex external support systems, operators, or manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while preserving advanced measurement capabilities
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional nuclear measurement systems are used without sealed casing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability decreases due to particle intrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed casing that acts as a protective barrier between the sensor and the contaminated environment. The casing is designed to be hermetic, preventing particle intrusion while allowing the sensor to detect external physical quantities. This sealed enclosure maintains reliability by protecting internal components without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-contained detector (100) for measuring a physical quantity, which includes: at least one sensor (105) for sensing a value representing a physical quantity; a geolocation means (110), configured to provide geolocation coordinates of the detector; an emitter (145) of a wireless signal representing each detected value and the determined coordinates; and a self-contained electric power source (120) configured to power the detector, each sensor, the geolocation means, the emitter and the power source being embedded in a flexible, shock-resistant shell (125), and in a sealed shell (130).