Portable Radiation Detector with Adjustable Support for Mobility Constraints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles designed for assessing internal radioactive contamination are not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility or those in inaccessible locations, as they require entry into the vehicle for measurement and have limited adaptability to different morphologies.

Innovation Solution

A portable device with adjustable detectors for thyroid and thorax measurements, supported by a lightweight, modular, and easily transportable system that can be set up in any environment, allowing for adaptable positioning and reduced dimensions to accommodate various individual morphologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed vehicle-based measurement system is used, then measurement stability is improved, but accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support device transitions from a static vehicle-based system to a dynamic portable system with adjustable components. The support member can move along the support cross member to adjust detector positions, and the entire device can be manually transported to different locations, providing both mobility and measurement stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a portable device is used, then accessibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates adjustable support members that can be positioned at different locations along the support cross member. This dynamic positioning capability allows the detectors to be optimally positioned for each measurement, maintaining precision while enabling portability and adaptability to different individual morphologies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If detectors are positioned for various body types, then adaptability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to morphologiesVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into modular components: a support cross member, multiple support feet, and movable support members carrying detectors. This segmentation allows the device to be compact when not in use while providing adaptability through the ability to position support feet at different locations and adjust support members along the cross member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle-based system is used, then measurement coverage is improved, but transportability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidtransportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a fixed vehicle-based installation to a dynamic portable system. The support device can be manually transported to different locations and adjusted to accommodate various individual morphologies, providing both transportability and comprehensive measurement coverage through its adjustable detector positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effective measurement of radioactive contamination in individuals with reduced mobility or in inaccessible areas, providing reproducible results with reduced equipment size and weight, facilitating easy transportation and setup by a single operator.

Implementation Method 1

a first detector (16) configured for measurement on the individual's thyroid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadioactive contamination detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a second detector (18) configured for measurement on the individual's thorax

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadioactive contamination detection: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3443388B1Device for internal contamination level of a person
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 INSTITUT DE RADIOPROTECTION & DE SURETE NUCLEAIRE
  • EP3443388B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The apparatus (10) comprises a first detector (16) for obtaining a measurement on the thyroid and a second detector (18) for obtaining a measurement on the thorax. The apparatus comprises a portable device (14) for supporting the detectors, comprising: - a transverse support crossmember (20), - at least one support leg (22) carrying said support crossmember (20), and - a support member (28), carried by the crossmember (20), comprising first (28A) and second (28B) parts moving with respect to one another in a longitudinal direction (X), the first moving part (28A) carrying the first detector (16), and the second moving part (28B) carrying the second detector (18).