Directional Radiation Detector Layout for Fast Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional directional radiation detectors are often too heavy or cumbersome to be portable and lack the accuracy needed for quick and reliable radiation source localization, making them unsuitable for handheld or unmanned sensor platforms.
Innovation Solution
A directional radiation source localization system that includes a sensor assembly, communications module, orientation and position sensors, and a controller, which uses a planar collimating panel to enhance angular sensitivity and reduce size, weight, and power requirements, allowing for rapid source localization with two or more detectors separated by the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional directional radiation detectors are used, then radiation detection capability is provided, but the detectors are too heavy and cumbersome to be portable
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation detection system is divided into multiple separate detector elements rather than using a single large detector. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required detection capability through multiple smaller, lighter components that can be distributed and mounted on portable platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based fixed detectors to three-dimensional spatial distribution of detectors on unmanned platforms (aerial, surface, and subsurface). This dimensional change enables portable deployment while maintaining detection reliability through spatial diversity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional directional radiation detectors are used, then radiation detection is possible, but they lack the accuracy needed for quick and reliable source localization
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector measurements are merged and processed together to determine source location. By combining data from multiple detectors with known positions, the system achieves rapid and accurate source localization through collaborative measurement rather than relying on a single detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from multiple detectors to continuously refine and update source location estimates. This feedback mechanism enables quick convergence to accurate localization by processing measurement data as it becomes available from the detector array.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to improve localization accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector elements are designed to be universal and multi-functional, serving both as radiation detection sensors and as localized position references. This universality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate positioning systems for each detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array system is self-configuring and self-calibrating, where each detector automatically determines its role and relationships with other detectors. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and enables automatic source localization without requiring complex external control systems.
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 system enables rapid and accurate localization of radiation sources, increasing the operational range of unmanned sensor platforms and providing real-time data for radiation source mapping, suitable for deployment in various environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a planar collimating panel to enhance angular sensitivity and reduce size, weight, and power requirements, allowing for rapid source localization with two or more detectors separated by the panel
Data Source
AI summary
Radiation source localization systems and related techniques are provided to improve the operation of handheld or unmanned mobile sensor or survey platforms. A radiation source localization system includes a logic device configured to communicate with a communications module and a directional radiation detector, where the communications module is configured to establish a wireless communication link with a base station associated with the directional radiation detector and/or a mobile sensor platform, and the directional radiation detector includes a sensor assembly configured to provide directional radiation sensor data as the directional radiation detector is maneuvered within a survey area.