Folding Surface Contamination Monitor with Semiconductor Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hand and foot contamination monitors using GM counters, gas flow counters, and scintillator-type radiation detectors are large and heavy, making them difficult to relocate to inspection sites, and there is a need for a solution that maintains radiation detection performance over long periods.
Innovation Solution
A surface contamination monitor with a folding mechanism and semiconductor-type radiation detectors, featuring a p-type and n-type semiconductor layer configuration with a protective silicon nitride film and silicone resin layer, allowing for compact and lightweight design while maintaining radiation detection performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional radiation detection sensors (GM counters, gas flow counters, scintillator-type detectors) are used, then radiation detection capability is achieved, but the monitor becomes large and heavy, making it difficult to relocate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the radiation detection sensor from conventional types (GM counters, scintillator-type) to semiconductor-type radiation detectors. This parameter change enables the same radiation detection function with significantly reduced size and weight, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/electronic system of conventional radiation detectors with a semiconductor-based detection system. This substitution maintains the essential radiation detection function while dramatically reducing the physical dimensions and weight of the monitor device
2Reliability
If conventional radiation detection sensors are used, then radiation detection is achieved, but the monitor size increases, preventing simple relocation to inspection sites
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the detection sensor parameter from conventional types to semiconductor-type radiation detectors, the monitor achieves compact dimensions that enable easy relocation to various inspection sites while maintaining full radiation detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a folding mechanism that allows the monitor to dynamically change its configuration between a compact folded state for easy transport and an expanded operational state for inspection, thereby improving relocation ease without sacrificing detection capability
3Weight of moving object
If semiconductor-type radiation detectors are used to reduce size and weight, then portability is improved, but long-term radiation detection performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining semiconductor materials with protective encapsulation materials. This composite approach allows the semiconductor detector to maintain its lightweight advantage while the protective layers ensure long-term reliability and stable radiation detection performance over extended operational periods
4Ease of operation
If a folding mechanism is added to enable compact storage, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a folding mechanism that provides dynamic configurability between compact and operational states. This dynamic feature improves portability by enabling compact storage and easy transport, while the folding design itself is relatively simple, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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 monitor is now small and lightweight, enabling easy relocation and maintaining radiation detection performance over extended periods, with the semiconductor-type detectors ensuring effective detection of radioactive substances on hands, feet, and clothing.
Implementation Method 1
In semiconductor-type radiation detectors, radiation strikes a radiation detection element made up of a semiconductor, such as silicon (Si), and charge generated by ionization on account of the radiation is outputted in the form of electric signals, whereby radiation is detected.
Implementation Method 2
a protective film, having moisture proofness, that covers an entirety of the first surface including the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a surface contamination monitor that includes a hand and foot contamination monitor that can be relocated to an inspection site in a simple manner. A surface contamination monitor has a folding mechanism that allows folding a monitor main body, and comprises a base whose top face is provided with radiation detection elements for measurement of a foot portion, a support column provided at a center of a far side of the top face of the base, and an upper unit, which is fixed to a top end portion of the support column, and on which there are provided radiation detection elements for measurement of a hand portion. The folding mechanism allows the support column to bend towards the top face of the base by way of a first hinge and to bend towards an opposite side by way of a second hinge.