Modular Neutron Spectrometer With Reconfigurable Detector Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neutron spectroscopy systems are limited in their flexibility and customization for various measurement applications, particularly in lunar and planetary exploration, as they often require custom designs for each mission and lack the ability to easily adjust detector area, collimation, and energy band sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A modular neutron spectrometer system that allows for customizable configurations by enabling the attachment of different types and numbers of detector modules to a base, each with interchangeable CLYC scintillator crystals and collimators, connected via a central electronics board for data processing and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed design is used for neutron spectrometer, then manufacturing and operation are simpler, but adaptability to different measurement applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different measurement applicationsVSAvoidsystem design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The neutron spectrometer is divided into separate functional modules: detector modules with scintillator crystals, collimator modules, and electronics modules. Each module can be independently configured and replaced based on specific measurement requirements, enabling adaptability without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spectrometer employs universal interface standards and mounting mechanisms that allow different types of detector modules and collimator modules to be interchangeably mounted on the same base platform. This universal design enables a single instrument to perform multiple measurement functions across different lunar exploration missions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If detector area is increased for higher sensitivity, then neutron detection capability improves, but instrument size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron detection capabilityVSAvoidinstrument weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detector system is segmented into multiple individual detector modules that can be independently mounted. Instead of using one large detector, the system uses several smaller detector modules arranged in an array, achieving equivalent or superior detection capability while maintaining manageable size and weight for lunar deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If custom design is created for each mission, then measurement precision is optimized, but development time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamically reconfigurable detector arrays where the number, type, and arrangement of detector modules can be adjusted based on mission-specific requirements. This dynamic configurability allows optimization of measurement precision for different missions without requiring complete custom design, as modules can be selectively assembled from a standardized set.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If detector modules are made interchangeable, then ease of replacement improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module replacementVSAvoidinterface compatibility precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Standardized mechanical interfaces, electrical connectors, and mounting mechanisms are designed for all detector modules and collimator modules. These universal interfaces ensure precise alignment and compatibility across different module types, enabling easy replacement and interchangeability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible and efficient neutron detection with adjustable sensitivity and area coverage, allowing for optimized performance across diverse measurement goals without the need for redesign, and supports easy replacement of degraded modules.

Implementation Method 1

each with interchangeable CLYC scintillator crystals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentUS20250370149A1Modular neutron spectrometer

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems are presented for neutron spectroscopy that involves a modular neutron spectrometer that can be relatively easily customized for various measurement applications. In some embodiments, the modular neutron spectrometer may include a base and a plurality of ports, each configured for attaching a detector module. Different types and different numbers of detector modules may allow for such customization by changing total detector area, measurement collimation, and energy band sensitivity, just to name a few examples. Accordingly, features of a modular neutron spectrometer may be varied to accommodate a variety of experiments or measurement goals.