Handheld Inspection Device Using Low-Activity Photon Backscatter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current infrastructure inspection methods, such as visual and acoustic inspections, and sophisticated backscatter computed tomography devices, are inadequate for efficiently and safely assessing the integrity of underground infrastructure like culverts and storm sewers due to limitations in safety and resolution, particularly in identifying voids caused by soil erosion.

Innovation Solution

A handheld inspection device with a portable frame, a low-radioactivity high energy photon source, and a scattered photon detector that radiates and detects photons to generate an integrity indication of the infrastructure, allowing for quick and safe identification of unsatisfactory areas, with a controller processing signals to determine void dimensions using a specific equation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a highly radioactive photon source is used to generate sufficient backscatter for detailed inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but safety requirements and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection resolutionVSAvoidsafety requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the radioactivity parameter of the photon source from high to low levels, using a low-radioactivity source that still provides sufficient backscatter for inspection while eliminating the need for complex safety measures and licensing requirements associated with highly radioactive sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a portable, handheld device with a low-radioactivity source that can be used for preliminary inspections without requiring the extensive safety infrastructure, licensing, and long-term management associated with highly radioactive sources, effectively replacing complex permanent installations with simpler portable equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of operation

If a low-radioactivity photon source is used to simplify safety requirements, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and inspection accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety requirementsVSAvoidinspection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inspection process into two stages: preliminary screening using a handheld low-radioactivity device for quick identification of problem areas, and detailed mapping using sophisticated apparatus for accurate characterization. This segmentation allows each method to operate in its optimal performance range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device performs partial inspection coverage, identifying areas of unsatisfactory integrity that then require follow-up with more sophisticated apparatus. This partial action approach accepts limited precision in exchange for operational simplicity and speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If visual and acoustic inspection methods are used for infrastructure assessment, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inability to detect voids caused by soil erosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection simplicityVSAvoidvoid detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based inspection methods (visual and acoustic) with non-contact photon backscatter technology, enabling detection of voids and subsurface conditions that cannot be detected by surface-level mechanical inspection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 handheld device enables rapid and safe preliminary inspections of infrastructure integrity, identifying voids and areas of unsatisfactory conditions, facilitating the use of more sophisticated inspection methods for further mapping without the need for extensive safety measures.

Implementation Method 1

a scattered photon detector detecting scatter events incoming from the radiated target region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoton scattering: Compton Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS12259342B2Handheld inspection device and method of inspecting an infrastructure having a structure wall supported into material

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 INVERSA SYST

AI summary

There is described a handheld inspection device for inspecting an infrastructure having a structure wall at least partially supported into material such as soil. The handheld inspection device generally has a portable frame; a high energy photon source mounted to said portable frame and having a radioactivity level below a threshold radioactivity level; a scattered photon detector mounted to said portable frame and having a field of view diverging towards said target region of said infrastructure and encompassing at least a portion thereof, said scattered photon detector detecting scatter events incoming from said target region during a given period of time, and generating a signal indicative of scatter events detected during said period of time; and a controller receiving said signal generated by said scattered photon detector; and generating an integrity indication associated to said target region of said infrastructure based on said received signal.