Water Phantom Orientation Sensors for Radiation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The orientation of positioning devices in water phantoms used for measuring ionizing radiation is complex and prone to inaccuracies, leading to incorrect measurement of radiation parameters, which is time-consuming and reduces the availability of the radiation source for diagnostic or therapeutic use.
Innovation Solution
The use of sensors, including spacing sensors and inclination sensors, to accurately determine the orientation of the positioning device relative to the water surface, allowing for precise positioning of detectors and reducing measurement errors through automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual orientation adjustment of the positioning device is used, then the device can be oriented relative to the water surface, but the process is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation adjustment with an automated sensor-based system. Spacing sensors and inclination sensors automatically detect the positioning device's orientation relative to the water surface, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment while providing precise measurement data for accurate radiation parameter determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device performs self-oriented through the automated sensor system that continuously monitors and detects its own spatial relationship to the water surface. The system self-corrects and maintains accurate orientation without requiring external manual intervention, thereby reducing setup time and improving orientation accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the positioning device is solidly connected to the container with motion along container edges, then the structure is simple, but orientation inaccuracies occur due to container tilt and water surface variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor-based detection systems (spacing sensors and inclination sensors) that replace reliance on the mechanical container structure for orientation accuracy. The sensors directly measure the detector's position and orientation relative to the water surface, compensating for container tilt and simplifying the mechanical positioning structure while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Reliability
If comprehensive regular monitoring of radiation parameters is performed, then quality assurance is improved, but the radiation source availability for diagnostic or therapeutic use is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sensor system enables the water phantom to self-monitor and self-adjust its orientation and detector positioning continuously and rapidly. This automation allows comprehensive radiation parameter monitoring to be performed quickly without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby maintaining high radiation quality assurance while minimizing disruption to radiation source availability for therapeutic use.
Data Source
AI summary
A water phantom is described, having a detector that is positionable in a container filled with water for measuring an ionizing radiation. The water phantom has at least one sensor for ascertaining an orientation of a positioning device, relative to a water surface. The orientation determination is based either on distances relative to the water surface that are measured by spacing sensors or, on inclinations, each measured by a gravity-sensitive inclination sensor.