Radially Expandable Cap Assembly for Vibration-Resistant Radiation Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation detector devices, particularly those used in harsh environments like the well logging industry, face malfunctions and failures due to vibration and shock, which are not adequately addressed by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A detector assembly with a cap assembly featuring a radially expandable member that locks into place within the detector housing, providing a sealed and field-serviceable design to withstand environmental stresses while allowing for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the detector housing is made thin-walled to reduce weight and size, then the detector becomes more compact and lighter, but the housing becomes more vulnerable to vibration and shock damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member positioned between the scintillator crystal package and the detector housing, and a separate cushioning member between the sensor and the housing. These cushioning elements absorb and distribute vibration and shock forces before they reach the sensitive components, thereby protecting the thin-walled housing and internal components from damage while maintaining the compact design
2Reliability
If the cap assembly is made permanent and sealed to protect the sensor, then the sensor is better protected from environmental factors, but the detector becomes difficult to maintain and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a cap assembly body, a radially expandable member, and a lock ring. This segmentation allows the cap to be opened and closed through simple assembly and disassembly operations using common tools, providing easy access to the sensor for maintenance and repair while maintaining a sealed protective structure during operation
3Reliability
If the cap assembly includes multiple components for secure sealing, then the seal is more reliable and secure, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The radially expandable member is designed to dynamically change its radial dimension during assembly and operation. When compressed axially, it expands radially to engage with the lock ring and create a secure seal. This dynamic mechanism simplifies the overall assembly process by using a single compressing action to achieve both sealing and locking functions, reducing the number of separate components and steps needed
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
The solution enhances the durability and maintainability of radiation detector devices, enabling them to operate reliably in severe environments by providing a secure seal and allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly using common tools, thus reducing the risk of damage to sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
a radially expandable member configured to expand radially within the detector housing and lock the position of the cap assembly relative to the detector housing
Data Source
AI summary
A detector assembly includes a cap assembly configured to close an end of a detector housing that is configured to contain a sensor therein, the cap assembly has a radially expandable member configured to expand radially within the detector housing and lock the position of the cap assembly relative to the detector housing.