Neutron Detector Junction Apparatus Pressure Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Neutron detectors face signal degradation and voltage breakdown issues due to long signal transmission distances and reduced pressure in high voltage electronics, which affect the accuracy and reliability of neutron detection.

Innovation Solution

An atomic particle detection assembly with a first chamber maintained at negative pressure for improved neutron transport and detection, and a second chamber at atmospheric pressure housing the sensing electronics to reduce signal degradation and prevent voltage breakdown, utilizing a junction apparatus with a sealing device to maintain different pressures and position sensitive detectors to enhance detection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sensing electronics are positioned close to the detectors to reduce signal transmission distance, then signal degradation is reduced, but the electronics are exposed to reduced pressure conditions that cause voltage breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidvoltage breakdown
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate pressure environments: the detectors operate in a reduced pressure chamber while the sensing electronics are housed in a separate atmospheric pressure chamber. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal pressure condition, resolving the contradiction between signal strength and voltage breakdown prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealed junction apparatus acts as an intermediary between the reduced pressure detector chamber and the atmospheric pressure electronics chamber. This intermediary maintains pressure separation while enabling electrical and mechanical connections, allowing close positioning of electronics to detectors without direct pressure exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the chamber pressure is reduced below atmospheric pressure to improve neutron transport, then detection efficiency is improved, but voltage breakdown in electronics becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidelectronics stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the detection function (requiring reduced pressure) from the electronics function (requiring atmospheric pressure) into distinct chambers. This allows the detection chamber to operate at reduced pressure for improved neutron transport while the electronics chamber maintains atmospheric pressure for stable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances signal strength and reduces the likelihood of voltage breakdown, improving the detection of atomic particles by maintaining a sealed environment and reducing the distance between detectors and electronics, thereby increasing detection accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a first chamber having a first operating pressure; and a junction apparatus supporting the detectors, the junction apparatus defining a second chamber having a second operating pressure that is different from the first operating pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2819147B1Gas-tight packaging of detectors
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2819147B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2819147B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2819147B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An atomic particle detection assembly (10) includes one or more detectors (30) that detect atomic particles, particularly neutrons. The detectors are positioned within a first chamber (22) having a first operating pressure. The atomic particle detection assembly includes a junction apparatus (40) supporting the detectors. The junction apparatus defines a second chamber (100) having a second operating pressure that is different from the first operating pressure. Sensing electronics (50) are attached to the detectors and the sensing electronics are housed within the second chamber of the junction apparatus.