Cylindrical Radon Sensor Polygonal Diode Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radon detection technologies, particularly semiconductor sensors, suffer from low detection efficiency due to suboptimal geometry and high polarisation voltages, limiting their ability to monitor radon in real-time effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a new geometry of silicon sensor with a polygonal axial section and a hollow cylindrical measuring chamber, optimized for uniform electric field distribution and lower polarisation voltages, enhancing detection efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional semiconductor sensor geometry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by transitioning from planar sensor surfaces to cylindrical geometry. The semiconductor sensor is formed as a cylinder with radial electrodes, creating a curved detection surface that optimizes the electric field distribution for alpha particle detection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard cylindrical fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves from two-dimensional planar sensor geometry to three-dimensional cylindrical geometry. This dimensional transition allows the sensor to detect alpha particles from all radial directions simultaneously, significantly improving detection efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high polarisation voltages are used, then detection efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sensor (cylindrical shape, radial electrode arrangement) to optimize the electric field distribution. This geometric optimization allows the system to achieve high detection efficiency at lower polarisation voltages by creating more uniform field distribution that requires less voltage to effectively collect ionization charges.
3Area of stationary object
If small sensor surfaces are used, then device size is reduced, but detection efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar to cylindrical geometry, utilizing the third dimension (radial direction) to increase the effective detection surface area. The cylindrical sensor can detect alpha particles from all radial directions, effectively increasing the detection surface without increasing the overall device footprint, thus maintaining compact size while improving detection efficiency.
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 real-time monitoring of radon and its daughters with increased detection efficiency and reduced operational costs, allowing for immediate remedial actions and improved accuracy in radon concentration measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is a device and method for monitoring radon in the air in real time with an optimised geometry to maximise efficiency with small sensor surfaces and low polarisation voltages
Implementation Method 2
low polarisation voltages
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The device comprises: a measuring chamber (1), in the form of a hollow cylinder made of a conducting material, through which an air current to be monitored circulates via natural or forced diffusion; a sensor element (2) with three or more planar semiconductor diodes (3) coplanar with the axial axis of the measuring chamber (1), said diodes being arranged along a section of the axial axis in a polygonal shape; a first polarisation source (41) which polarises the measuring chamber (1); a second polarisation source (42) which polarises the anode relative to the cathode; a signal amplifier (5); a discriminator (6); and a processor (7), on which a method with an instantaneous and/or continuous operating mode is performed, providing radon concentration values over measuring periods varying between 5 and 10 mins.