Luminescent Sensor for Continuous Electron Beam Dose Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current dosimeter systems for low voltage electron beam emitters are inefficient, requiring manual processing and providing coarse measurements, with disposable dosimeter patches unable to withstand high temperatures and permanently placed conductors risking damage to the electron beam emitter.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly with an electron excitable material that emits luminescence proportional to electron beam intensity, allowing for continuous, high-resolution measurement of the electron beam profile using a detector, enabling accurate dose control parameter monitoring during sterilization processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If disposable dosimeter patches are used for measurement, then manual work is required and measurement resolution is coarse, but the system is simple to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidmanual work requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical/disposable dosimeter patches with an electronic sensor device that uses a photodetector to convert light signals from the phosphor material into electrical signals, enabling automated, high-resolution measurement without manual intervention or coarse granularity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a phosphor material as an intermediary between the electron beam and the photodetector. The phosphor converts electron beam intensity into light signals, which the photodetector then measures, enabling precise automated measurement while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If permanently placed conductors are used in front of the electron beam emitter window, then dose measurement is continuous, but the conductors heat up and risk damaging the exit window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidheat damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phosphor material as a heat-resistant intermediary that can withstand direct electron beam exposure without melting or deforming. This phosphor layer converts electron beam energy into light signals while protecting the underlying photodetector and exit window from excessive heat, enabling continuous measurement without damage risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material parameter of the sensor surface from conventional conductors with low melting points to phosphor material with high thermal stability. This parameter change allows the sensor to withstand continuous electron beam exposure at high temperatures without deforming or damaging the exit window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If dosimeter films are used for measurement, then dose values can be obtained, but the films cannot stand high temperatures and measurement duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement durationVSAvoidhigh temperature resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal stability parameter of the sensor material from dosimeter film composition to phosphor material composition, which maintains structural integrity at high temperatures. This enables the sensor to operate continuously during prolonged electron beam sterilization processes without degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces disposable dosimeter films with a reusable electronic sensor system consisting of phosphor material and photodetector. This substitution eliminates the temperature and duration limitations of films while enabling continuous, long-term measurement capability

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

Enables continuous, high-resolution monitoring of electron beam intensity and dose control parameters, reducing manual labor and preventing damage to the electron beam emitter, with the sensor surface being reusable and capable of long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor surface comprising an electron excitable material arranged to be radiated with at least a part of said electron beam, so as to excite said electron excitable material so that said electron excitable material emits luminescence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10279064B2Low voltage electron beam dosimeter device and method

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA

AI summary

In some embodiments, a sensor assembly for continuous measurement of at least one dose control parameter of an electron beam during a substantial part of the duration of a sterilizing process of package material includes an electron beam emitter adapted to emit electron beam (e−) from an electron exit window and a sensor device that includes: a sensor surface having an electron excitable material arranged to be radiated with at least a part of said electron beam (e−), so as to excite said electron excitable material so that said electron excitable material emits luminescence and a detector arranged and adapted to detect said luminescence. The electron beam emitter is adapted to emit a continuous electron beam (e−) during a predetermined time period so as to irradiate and sterilize package material.