Neutron Inspection System Magnet Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive inspection systems using neutrons face challenges in aligning the proton beam incidence direction with neutron emission, making it difficult to reduce system size and efficiently direct neutrons for inspection due to the large size of linear accelerators and facilities.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive inspection system that includes a linear accelerator, a first magnet section with facing magnets to deflect charged particles, and a target section to produce neutrons, allowing for increased neutron yield and directional flexibility by adjusting magnetic flux density and magnet orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the linear accelerator and facilities are kept large, then the system can maintain stable operation, but it becomes difficult to move the linear accelerator to change the direction of incidence of the proton beam on the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet section that can be independently positioned and oriented separately from the linear accelerator. This segmentation allows the magnet section to be moved and rotated to change the neutron emission direction without moving the entire linear accelerator system, thereby achieving directional flexibility while keeping the main system stationary and stable.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet section is designed to be movable and rotatable, introducing dynamic capability to the otherwise stationary linear accelerator system. This allows the system to change its neutron emission direction on-demand by adjusting the magnet section's orientation, providing adaptability without requiring the entire system to be mobile.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the direction of incidence of the proton beam on the target is aligned with the direction of emission of the neutrons, then the energy introduced into the linear accelerator is reduced, but the system size cannot be reduced due to the large linear accelerator and facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet section serves as an intermediary between the linear accelerator and the inspection area. It receives the proton beam from the linear accelerator and redirects it toward the target at the desired angle, enabling the system to achieve both energy efficiency (by maintaining optimal beam-target alignment) and directional flexibility (by adjusting the magnet section's orientation) simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional degree of freedom by positioning the magnet section laterally offset from the linear accelerator's beam path. This allows the system to deflect the proton beam in a direction perpendicular to the linear accelerator's axis, enabling neutron emission in directions that would otherwise require moving the entire linear accelerator.
3Volume of moving object
If magnets are placed closer to reduce the inspection system size, then the magnetic flux density between the magnets increases, but the curvature radius of the charged particle beam increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic flux density by adjusting parameters such as the current through the magnets and the precise spacing between them. This allows the system to achieve the required beam deflection with a compact magnet arrangement, balancing the increased magnetic flux density against the curvature radius effect to maintain overall system compactness while preserving deflection efficiency.
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 enhances the yield and directional freedom of neutrons for inspection, enabling more efficient non-destructive testing of infrastructure structures like bridges and tunnels with a compact, mobile system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet section including magnets facing each other, the magnets being capable of deflecting the charged particles in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of emission of the charged particles from the linear accelerator
Implementation Method 2
a target section capable of producing neutrons by being irradiated with the charged particles that have passed through the first magnet section
Data Source
AI summary
A non-destructive inspection system 1 includes a neutron radiation source 3 capable of emitting neutrons N, and a neutron detector 14 capable of detecting neutrons Nb produced via an inspection object 6a among neutrons N emitted from the neutron radiation source 3. The neutron radiation source 3 includes a linear accelerator 11 capable of emitting charged particles P accelerated; a first magnet section 12 including magnets 12a and 12b facing each other, the magnets 12a and 12b being capable of deflecting the charged particles P in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of emission of the charged particles P from the linear accelerator 11; and a target section 13 capable of producing neutrons N by being irradiated with the charged particles P that have passed through the first magnet section 12.