Simulating Mobile Radioactive Sources Using Distance-Modulated Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing and calibrating nuclear instrumentation, especially in outdoor or public environments, face challenges due to the use of prohibited or dangerous radioactive sources and limitations in simulating mobile sources, which restrict the testing of complete detection systems with multiple detectors.
Innovation Solution
A system that simulates the detection of mobile radioactive sources using wireless or ultrasonic signals, with a pulse generator that varies pulse generation based on distance and environment, allowing integration with processing electronics to mimic the characteristics of different detectors and account for shielding effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real radioactive sources are used for testing nuclear instrumentation, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but safety risks and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simulated radioactive source system that copies the detection characteristics of real radioactive sources without using actual radioactivity. The system uses a transmitter emitting electromagnetic signals that mimic the detection response of real sources, allowing complete detection systems including spectrometers to be tested externally while eliminating safety risks associated with handling dangerous radioelements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary simulated source system that acts as a bridge between testing requirements and safety constraints. This intermediary uses controlled electromagnetic transmitters and signal generators to produce detection responses equivalent to real radioactive sources, enabling external field testing without direct exposure to hazardous materials
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal generators are connected to complete detection systems, then adaptability to test various source types is improved, but the ability to simulate mobile remote sources is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic simulated source system where transmitters can be physically moved to different locations and orientations, and signal characteristics can be dynamically adjusted. This allows the system to simulate mobile radioactive sources in external environments while maintaining adaptability to represent different source types through configurable signal parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal simulated source platform that can represent multiple radioactive source types through a single reconfigurable transmitter system. The transmitter can emit various signal patterns and the system can simulate different geometries and activities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized signal generators while maintaining full versatility in testing scenarios
3Device complexity
If a single detector is tested, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to test complete systems with multiple detectors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a segmented transmitter system where multiple independent transmitters can be deployed, each corresponding to a specific detector. This segmentation allows each transmitter to be independently configured and positioned to simulate sources at different locations and orientations relative to each detector, enabling comprehensive testing of multi-detector systems while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
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 external testing of nuclear instrumentation without actual radioactive sources, simulating mobile sources and multiple detectors, enhancing realism and flexibility in testing and training scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
at least one receiver R1, RN of signals emitted by at least one transmitter E1, E2, EM of signals
Implementation Method 2
The signals are preferably wireless signals, for example RF (wifi, Bluetooth®, etc.), ultrasonic or light signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a device simulating the detection of at least one moving radioactive source, comprising a receiver (R1, RN) for receiving signals transmitted by at least one signal transmitter (E1, E2, EM), characterised in that it comprises a pulse generator (G1, GN) coupled to the receiver (R1, RN) and configured to determine a distance between the receiver (R1, RN) and the at least one transmitter (E1, E2, EM) from a signal received from the at least one transmitter by the receiver, in order to generate pulses of which the number varies depending on the distance detected, and in order to deliver the generated pulses to an electronic processing unit (T) to be tested, intended to be coupled, in nominal detection usage, to one or more detectors (D1, DN) of one or more radioactive sources.