Collimator Positioning System for Radioactive Contamination Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and mapping radioactive contamination in rooms are subjective, costly, inefficient, limited in application, and inaccurate, particularly due to the inability of passive collimators to determine their position or orientation within the room, leading to confusion from radiation sources at remote angles.
Innovation Solution
A directional shield and position determination system that includes a collimator with a spherical detector and apertures, along with a back-projected radiation analyzer and cell evaluator method, to accurately map radiation intensity and location on walls and objects within a contaminated room by using a directional shield to regulate radiation and a position determination system to determine the collimator's location and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a passive collimator with spherical detector and apertures is used to identify radiation contamination, then radiation intensity and direction can be determined through opaque line formation, but the collimator cannot determine its own position or orientation within the room, leading to subjective and inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of electromagnetic transmitters mounted on the collimator and receivers fixed in the room. This intermediary system mediates between the collimator and the room coordinate system, enabling automatic position and orientation determination without requiring manual tracking or subjective interpretation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electromagnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of relying on users to manually record or estimate the collimator's position and orientation, the system uses electromagnetic signals to automatically determine and record the collimator's spatial coordinates and angular orientation relative to fixed receivers in the room.
2Reliability
If a collimator is placed within a contaminated room to map radiation, then radiation contamination locations can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual examination of the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback by connecting the detector to a computer system that automatically processes the radiation data. The computer receives signals from the detector, correlates them with the recorded position and orientation data, and generates a complete map of contamination locations, eliminating the need for manual examination and providing immediate, objective feedback on contamination distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the collimator's position and orientation, automatically processing the radiation detection data, and automatically generating the contamination map. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in data collection and analysis, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining or improving accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If radiation sources at remote angles are present, then they may be detected by the collimator, but they create confusing opaque portions that are interpreted as noise, hindering accurate identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the collimator to automatically track and record its own orientation as it moves through the room. The positioning system continuously updates the collimator's angular orientation relative to the fixed receivers, allowing the computer to dynamically correlate detection data with precise spatial and angular information, thereby distinguishing valid radiation sources from noise even at remote angles.
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 solution provides a more accurate, efficient, and automated method for identifying and mapping radioactive contamination, reducing exposure and costs by allowing focused decontamination efforts and minimizing human error through precise radiation source localization.
Implementation Method 1
a detector made of a radiosensitive detector material that is in the shape of a sphere. The detector is located within a collimator shield that has a series of through apertures. The collimator may be placed within a room that is contaminated with radioactive material for a time sufficient to allow portions of the detector to become opaque via exposure to the radiation contamination.
Implementation Method 2
The apertures of the collimator shield function to direct or channel the radiation into the spherical detector so that opaque lines or streaks are formed. The collimator shield functions to block out radiation either completely or partially so that portions of the detector are not turned opaque to better allow this determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A position determination system and method is provided that may be used for obtaining position and orientation information of a detector in a contaminated room. The system includes a detector, a sensor operably coupled to the detector, and a motor coupled to the sensor to move the sensor around the detector. A CPU controls the operation of the motor to move the sensor around the detector and determines distance and angle data from the sensor to an object. The method includes moving a sensor around the detector and measuring distance and angle data from the sensor to an object at incremental positions around the detector.