Nuclear Density Gauge Movable Source Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable nuclear gauges with high activity gamma radiation sources are subject to stringent regulations, while those with low activity sources face fewer restrictions, but existing low activity gauges lack efficient source mounting arrangements for optimal density measurement.

Innovation Solution

A nuclear density gauge with a source mount that moves a low activity gamma radiation source along a path between active and inactive positions, allowing for effective detection and shielding, utilizing a cylindrical roller or pivotally mounted arm for gamma radiation source positioning relative to detectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a high activity gamma radiation source is used in a nuclear density gauge, then measurement precision is improved, but regulatory restrictions and licensing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity measurement precisionVSAvoidregulatory adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the activity parameter of the gamma radiation source from high (millicurie range) to low (microcurie range), thereby reducing regulatory restrictions while maintaining measurement capability through optimized detector positioning and geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a movable source mount that can dynamically position the gamma radiation source at different longitudinal distances from the detector, allowing optimization of measurement precision with low activity sources while providing shielding capability when repositioned to inactive positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a low activity gamma radiation source is used in a nuclear density gauge, then regulatory restrictions are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory adaptabilityVSAvoiddensity measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable source mount allows dynamic adjustment of the source-to-detector distance, enabling optimization of the detection geometry to maximize measurement precision with low activity sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces longitudinal positioning as an additional degree of freedom, moving the source along the longitudinal axis to optimize the radiation path through the material and improve detection efficiency with low activity sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the gamma radiation source is positioned close to the detector, then measurement precision is improved, but radiation shielding becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity measurement precisionVSAvoidgamma radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The source mount can be dynamically repositioned between active measurement positions (close to detector for precision) and inactive shielded positions (far from detector for safety), providing flexible control over the trade-off between precision and radiation exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The source mount acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables close positioning during measurement while providing a means for remote positioning during shielding, mediating between the conflicting requirements of precision and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise density measurement of materials with low activity gamma sources, reducing regulatory burdens and improving measurement accuracy through optimized source positioning and shielding.

Implementation Method 1

These gauges utilize the principle of Compton scattering of gamma rays for determining the density characteristics of the test material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompton scattering: Compton Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The gauge includes a gamma radiation source and a source mount carried by the base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma radiation emission: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentUS7872222B1Nuclear density gauge

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABS INC

AI summary

A nuclear density gauge includes a base and at least one gamma radiation detector mounted at a predetermined location relative to an axis extending longitudinally of the base. The gauge further includes a gamma radiation source and a source mount that mounts the gamma radiation source for movement along a path between an active first position located at a first longitudinal distance from the detector and an active second position located at a second longitudinal distance from the detector. In this way, gamma radiation is detected emanating from the source and backscattered from the underlying material sample through a first path of travel when the source mount is at the first active position and through a second path of travel when the source mount is at the second active position. The source mount may also move the source from the active first and second positions to an inactive third position shielded by gamma radiation shielding material.