Radiation Detector Segmented Elements Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiation detectors face challenges in accurately detecting radioactivity due to contamination and diffusion of radioactive substances, which affects the reliability of detection and requires frequent cleaning or replacement of detection elements.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detector design incorporating a base body with two radiation detection elements, where the first element detects radiation and the second element acts as a spacer to stabilize the distance and detect any adhered radioactive substances, allowing for more accurate and replaceable detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single radiation detection element is used, then the device structure is simple, but detection accuracy is reduced due to contamination and diffusion of radioactive substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation detector is divided into two separate detection elements: a first detection element for primary radiation detection and a second detection element positioned at a controlled distance to detect scattered radiation. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function, improving overall detection accuracy while managing complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A spacer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second detection elements. This spacer maintains a precise predetermined distance, preventing direct contact between detection elements and reducing contamination diffusion. The intermediary structure enables accurate measurement of radiation scattering patterns without the harmful effects of direct element contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If detection elements are placed close together, then the device size is reduced, but contamination diffusion between elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcontamination control
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer member acts as a physical barrier and intermediary between the two detection elements, maintaining a predetermined distance that prevents contamination diffusion while keeping the overall device compact. The spacer's structure allows close positioning of elements for miniaturization while ensuring reliable contamination control through the maintained gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of separating detection elements only in the horizontal plane, the invention introduces vertical separation through the spacer member. This dimensional approach allows the elements to be positioned close in the horizontal direction for compactness while maintaining reliable separation in the vertical direction to prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the distance between detection elements is not stabilized, then the structure is simpler, but detection precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer member serves as a precision intermediary that mechanically defines and maintains the predetermined distance between detection elements. This intermediary structure provides stable geometric reference, ensuring consistent detection precision without requiring complex active control systems or adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer member is designed with a predetermined distance built into its structure during manufacturing. This preliminary establishment of the correct geometric relationship eliminates the need for post-assembly adjustments or complex control systems, achieving detection precision through pre-configured mechanical geometry rather than active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If the second detection element is used to detect adhered radioactive substances, then contamination detection is improved, but the element requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination detectionVSAvoidelement replacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The second detection element, which is susceptible to contamination from detecting scattered radiation and adhered radioactive substances, is designed as a replaceable component. This allows the element to be periodically replaced or cleaned, maintaining its detection functionality without requiring complex in-situ cleaning systems or protective measures that would increase overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This design enhances the accuracy of radiation detection by stabilizing the distance between the object and the detector, reducing contamination issues and enabling easy replacement of the second detection element, thus improving detection precision and maintaining detector functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an organic semiconductor layer provided between the first conductive member and the second conductive member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11927706B2Radiation detector
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 KK TOSHIBA
  • US11927706B2 patent drawing
  • US11927706B2 patent drawing
  • US11927706B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a radiation detector includes a base body, a first radiation detection element, and a second radiation detection element. The base body includes a first surface. The first surface includes first and second partial regions. A first direction from the first partial region toward the second partial region is along the first surface. The first radiation detection element is fixable to the first partial region. The second radiation detection element includes a first detecting part fixable to the second partial region. The first detecting part includes first and second end portions. A second direction from the first end portion toward the second end portion crosses the first surface. The second end portion is between the first end portion and the second partial region in the second direction. The first radiation detection element does not overlap the first end portion in the first direction.