Portable Gamma Ray CT Device With Automated Isotope Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gamma ray CT systems are inadequate for inspecting large structures due to limited maneuverability, increased radiation exposure for operators, and inability to capture multiple shots for 3D reconstruction, as they require mechanical stages and guide tubes that cause wear on isotopes and expose operators to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A portable gamma ray CT device with a modified gamma ray projector that eliminates the guide tube, incorporates a remotely controlled collimator with aperture inserts for sharper images, and includes electronic shutter and automated isotope deployment to reduce exposure and enhance image quality and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional gamma ray projector with guide tube and mechanical stage is used, then the system can perform CT imaging, but the operator is exposed to radiation and the isotope suffers wear during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the guide tube from the system entirely, extracting the source of radiation exposure and mechanical wear. The projector is redesigned to move freely without requiring a guide tube, thereby eliminating radiation exposure to the operator during isotope movement while maintaining maneuverability through direct handheld or remote operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote control mechanism as an intermediary between the operator and the projector. The operator controls the projector remotely, allowing the isotope to be positioned and moved without the operator being in proximity to the radiation source, thus reducing radiation exposure while maintaining ease of operation through remote manipulation
2Reliability
If a conventional projector with crank cable is used, then the isotope can be deployed, but the crank cable causes wear on the isotope and requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical crank cable system with an automated deployment mechanism. The isotope is deployed and retracted using an automated system that eliminates the crank cable, thereby reducing wear on the isotope while increasing the extent of automation in the projector operation
Solution Approach 2:
The projector is designed to automatically deploy and retract the isotope without requiring manual cranking. The system performs the deployment service itself through automated mechanisms, reducing wear on the isotope by eliminating friction from manual operation while increasing automation
3Manufacturing precision
If a standard collimator is used, then the projector can function, but the images lack sharpness for detailed inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple aperture inserts with different aperture sizes within the collimator, allowing the operator to select the appropriate aperture size for the specific inspection task. This local quality adjustment optimizes image sharpness for different inspection requirements while managing device complexity through modular, interchangeable components rather than a single complex collimator design
4Ease of operation
If the projector is designed for portability, then it can be used in field conditions, but safety mechanisms must be added to protect the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an electronic shutter that operates periodically to control radiation exposure. The shutter can be opened and closed electronically to limit radiation emission to only when needed for imaging, thereby enhancing operator safety in portable field conditions while adding minimal complexity through an electronically controlled mechanism rather than mechanical safety devices
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 the capture of hundreds of shots for 3D reconstruction, reduces wear on isotopes and radiation exposure for operators, and produces sharper images by optimizing aperture size and exposure time, while ensuring operator safety through reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an isotope 150 encapsulated within depleted uranium
Implementation Method 2
a collimator 120... functions as the aperture from which radiation is emitted in a specific direction
Implementation Method 3
gamma ray detector (e.g.; film, digital detector, plate) 160
Data Source
AI summary
A portable gamma ray computed topography (CT) device configured to capture images includes a projector, a collimator, and a detector. The projector includes an isotope encapsulated within a depleted uranium, and the collimator is affixed to the projector eliminating use of a guide tube. The apparatus also includes a crank cable affixed to the isotope, and is configured to extend the isotope out of projector and into the collimator. The apparatus further includes a detector configured to capture multiple shots on order of hundreds of shots to create a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction from infield gamma ray images.