Compact Particle Sensor With Multi-Directional Collimator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional particle sensors are bulky due to the need for separate tubular collimators for each field of view and redundant sensor electronics, limiting their multi-directional capabilities and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A compact particle sensor design featuring a collimator with multiple sensor apertures aligned in various directions, combined with segmented detectors to determine the directionality of energetic particles or photons, and optional additional detectors for energy measurement and nullification threshold assessment, utilizing optical fibers or particle tubes for guiding particles, and a shield to limit non-aligned particle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate tubular collimators are used for each field of view, then directional detection capability is improved, but sensor size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple collimator functions into a single integrated collimator structure with multiple apertures arranged in different directions. Instead of using separate tubular collimators for each field of view, the invention integrates multiple detection directions into one unified component, thereby reducing overall sensor size and mass while maintaining multi-directional detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single collimator structure serves multiple functions by providing multiple apertures oriented in different directions. This universal design allows the same collimator component to detect particles from multiple directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate specialized collimators for each direction and reducing the overall sensor footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensors are used for each collimator, then detection coverage is improved, but electronic redundancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detector functions into a single detector component with multiple detection regions or segments. Instead of using separate sensors for each collimator, the invention employs one integrated detector that can respond to particles entering through different apertures, thereby reducing electronic redundancy while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detector is designed with multi-functional capability to detect particles from multiple directions simultaneously. By having a universal detector that can handle inputs from all collimator apertures, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors and their associated redundant electronics.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate collimators are used, then angular resolution is improved, but device compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple angular detection capabilities into a single collimator structure with multiple apertures positioned at different angles. This integration maintains the angular resolution benefits of multiple separate collimators while consolidating them into one compact unit, thereby improving device compactness without sacrificing measurement precision.
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
The solution enables a more compact and efficient multi-directional particle sensor that effectively determines the directionality and energy of particles or photons, reducing noise and improving angular resolution while maintaining a smaller form factor compared to traditional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a collimator including a plurality of sensor apertures aligned in a plurality of directions configured to allow passage of an energetic particle or photon in a specific direction for respective apertures
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical fibers or particle tubes configured to guide passage of an energetic particle or a photon from a receiving end to a discharge end
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of optical fibers or particle tubes configured to guide passage of an energetic particle or a photon from a receiving end to a discharge end
Implementation Method 4
at least one energy detector configured to measure the energetic particle or photon comprising a plurality of detector segments. Respective detector segments of the plurality of detector segments are aligned with the respective sensor apertures and a detector segment which measures the energetic particle or photon is indicative of a directionality of the energetic particle or photon
Data Source
AI summary
An energy sensor is provided including a collimator comprising a plurality of sensor apertures aligned in a plurality of directions configured to allow passage of an energetic particle or photon in a specific direction for respective apertures of the plurality of sensor apertures and at least one energy detector configured to measure the energetic particle or photon including a plurality of detector segments. Respective detector segments of the plurality of detector segments are aligned with the respective sensor apertures and a detector segment which measures the energetic particle or photon is indicative of a directionality of the energetic particle or photon.