Flexible Sheet Radiation Dosimeter with Bead Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation dosimeters can only measure radiation dosage along a single axis, limiting their ability to provide a comprehensive three-dimensional radiation exposure profile.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet with detector assemblies comprising radiation-sensitive beads distributed across a two-dimensional area, allowing deformation to create multiple measurement points within a three-dimensional volume, and marker beads for image distinguishability, along with a method for detaching and reading the radiation data from each bead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional radiation dosimeters with beads strung on a single thread are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the measurement capability is limited to a single axis only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of beads on a single thread to a two-dimensional distributed arrangement of beads on a flexible sheet. This dimensional expansion enables radiation dosage measurement across multiple spatial dimensions, transforming the measurement capability from single-axis to multi-axis while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a flexible substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the radiation detection function into multiple independent detector assemblies, each containing beads that can be independently positioned and measured. This segmentation allows each bead or assembly to contribute to the overall three-dimensional radiation distribution map, enhancing measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular construction.
2Measurement precision
If beads are distributed across a two-dimensional area on a flexible sheet, then three-dimensional radiation measurement is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet as the substrate for mounting detector assemblies, allowing the device to conform to three-dimensional measurement volumes while maintaining a simple two-dimensional structure during manufacturing. The flexibility of the sheet enables spatial deformation to achieve volumetric coverage without increasing the inherent structural complexity of the detector assemblies themselves.
3Measurement precision
If marker beads are added for image distinguishability, then the ability to identify bead positions in images is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing marker beads with distinct properties (different material composition, shape, or size) only at specific locations within the detector assembly. These marker beads serve as reference points for image registration and position identification without requiring all beads to have complex distinguishing features, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving position identification accuracy.
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
Enables the determination of radiation dosage at multiple points in space, providing a three-dimensional radiation distribution map, enhancing the accuracy of radiation exposure assessment in medical and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
When a bead is exposed to radiation, an electron in a low energy state absorbs energy from an incident photon and transitions to a higher energy state
Implementation Method 2
heating the bead to trigger thermo-luminescence, such that the energy of the emitted photons provides a measure of the radiation dose
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring radiation dosage is disclosed, comprising a flexible sheet, one or more detector assemblies disposed on the sheet, and detector retaining means for retaining the one or more detector assemblies on the sheet such that the one or more detector assemblies adopt the same curvature as the sheet when the sheet is deformed. Each one or more detector assembly comprises a plurality of beads threaded onto a fibre, the plurality of beads comprising radiation-sensitive material for recording information about a radiation dosage to which each bead is exposed, and the detector retaining means is configured to permit each one or more detector assembly to be subsequently detached from the sheet without removing the plurality of beads from the fibre. A method of detecting radiation dosage using the device is also disclosed.