Integrated Lighting and Radiation Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation monitoring systems in facilities like nuclear power plants require separate dedicated systems for radiation detection, which are burdensome and limit the number of detectors due to individual calibration and networking needs.
Innovation Solution
Integrated radiation and lighting devices that combine a radiation detector with a lighting element, sharing a circuit and power source, allowing for customizable illumination responses to radiation levels and transmitting detection data for analysis, installed in existing lighting infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated radiation monitoring systems are installed throughout the facility, then radiation detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a radiation detector with a lighting element into a single integrated device. The radiation detector, lighting element, and power source are merged into one unit that can be installed in existing lighting fixtures throughout the facility, providing both illumination and radiation monitoring without requiring separate dedicated radiation monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it provides lighting illumination and simultaneously performs radiation detection. By making the lighting element universal for both purposes, the system achieves comprehensive radiation monitoring coverage without adding separate dedicated monitoring infrastructure
2Reliability
If multiple separate radiation detectors are installed, then radiation monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device leverages the existing lighting infrastructure for power and communication. The lighting element's existing circuitry provides power to the radiation detector and serves as a communication channel for transmitting radiation data, eliminating the need for separate power supplies and dedicated communication networks that would require complex calibration and maintenance
3Measurement precision
If dedicated radiation detection systems are installed, then radiation source location precision is improved, but loss of time and resources for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the already-installed lighting infrastructure as the foundation for radiation detection. By preparing and integrating the radiation detector into existing lighting fixtures that are already in place throughout the facility, the system achieves comprehensive coverage without requiring new installation work
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation detection functionality is merged with the existing lighting system, allowing the same infrastructure to serve dual purposes. This eliminates the need for separate installation of dedicated radiation monitoring systems while maintaining the ability to precisely locate radiation sources through the distributed network of integrated devices
Data Source
AI summary
Devices work as both area lighting and ionizing radiation detectors. The lighting is adjustable in response to radiation detection, warning nearby users about radiation. Multiple devices can be plugged into electrical outlets throughout a plant or building to replace conventional lighting like lightbulbs or CFLs. Each device can transmit alerts to notify nearby users and transmit data to processors for aggregation and analysis. The data can be sent wirelessly, over fiber optic cable, as power line communications or otherwise. The data can be multiplexed along a single line. The devices may be in known locations or located based on an ID in the data. This data can be used to locate radiation sources and facilitate analysis and alerting at the location. Operators may respond to the radiation detection by issuing commands to the devices to change lighting output, adjust radiation detection parameters, and take corrective or ameliorative action in the facility.