Neutron Ray Generator Alignment and Shielding for Compact Facilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neutron ray generating apparatuses are large in size and prone to radioactivation due to radiation leakage, particularly when the accelerator and target disposition portion are disposed at perpendicular angles, necessitating larger facilities and increased risk of accelerator activation.

Innovation Solution

The accelerator and target disposition portion are aligned on a common reference line of the transport path, with shield members positioned to shield radiation, reducing the apparatus' size and preventing accelerator radioactivation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the accelerator and target disposition portion are disposed at perpendicular angles, then the apparatus can be compact, but the radiation leakage increases causing radioactivation of the accelerator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidradiation leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shield member is introduced as an intermediary element between the target disposition portion and the accelerator. This shield member blocks radiation from reaching the accelerator, preventing radioactivation while allowing the perpendicular arrangement that reduces apparatus size. The shield member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between compact design and radiation protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the accelerator and target disposition portion are aligned on a reference line, then radiation leakage is reduced, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation leakageVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is segmented into distinct spatial zones: the accelerator region, the shield member region, and the target disposition portion region. By segmenting the layout and introducing the shield member as a separate element, the design achieves radiation protection without requiring the accelerator and target to be in direct alignment, thus avoiding the need for a larger apparatus footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If shield members are added to prevent radioactivation, then accelerator protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccelerator protectionVSAvoidshielding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than implementing comprehensive shielding throughout the entire apparatus, the shield member is strategically positioned only in the specific location where radiation protection is needed - between the target disposition portion and the accelerator. This localized approach provides effective protection while minimizing the addition of complex shielding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration minimizes the apparatus' size and reduces radioactivation risk while maintaining neutron ray quality and improving maintainability by using radio frequency accelerators and movable shield members.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerator that emits a particle beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic acceleration: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a target disposition portion that disposes a target that is irradiated with the particle beam to generate a neutron ray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear reaction: Nuclear Fission

Implementation Method 3

A first shield member that shields radiation and a second shield member that shields the radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12434074B2Neutron ray therapy facility including a neutron ray generating apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A neutron ray generating apparatus includes: an accelerator that emits a particle beam; a target disposition portion that disposes a target that is irradiated with the particle beam to generate a neutron ray; and a transport path that transports the particle beam between the accelerator and the target disposition portion. The target disposition portion and the accelerator are disposed on a reference line of the transport path. A first shield member that shields radiation and a second shield member that shields the radiation and that is disposed to be spaced apart from the first shield member toward an accelerator side are provided between the target disposition portion and the accelerator.