Radiation Shielding Enclosure for Camera Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cameras with CCD or CMOS image sensors are not radiation tolerant and suffer from temporary and permanent damage in environments with strong ionizing radiation, leading to deteriorating image quality and short operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A digital camera module with an electronic image sensor enclosed in a radiation shielding enclosure made from low-mass nuclei material, such as hydrocarbon plastics, combined with a thermoelectric cooling system and a transparent front cover, to absorb neutron radiation and maintain low temperatures, thereby improving image quality and extending operational lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a digital camera module with electronic image sensor is used in radiation environment, then image quality and compactness are improved, but radiation tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A radiation shielding enclosure made of low-mass nuclei material (such as polyethylene or paraffin) is introduced as an intermediary between the radiation environment and the digital camera module. This enclosure absorbs neutron radiation through elastic scattering with hydrogen atoms, protecting the electronic image sensor from radiation damage while allowing the camera to maintain high image quality and compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shielding enclosure combines low-mass nuclei material (for neutron scattering) with boron compounds (for thermal neutron absorption). This composite material structure provides comprehensive radiation protection against both fast and thermal neutrons, significantly improving the camera's radiation tolerance without compromising image quality
2Reliability
If radiation shielding enclosure is added to protect camera, then radiation tolerance is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shielding enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it shields against neutron radiation, provides structural housing for the camera module, and can be integrated with mounting mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite adding radiation protection capabilities
3Temperature
If cooling system is added to improve image quality, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed to automatically maintain optimal temperature for the image sensor without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates to keep the sensor at temperatures around -10°C to 0°C, improving image quality while minimizing added complexity through automated operation
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 effectively shields the camera from neutron and gamma radiation, maintaining image quality and extending the camera's operational lifespan in harsh radiation environments by using low-mass nuclei materials and efficient cooling to manage heat and radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
In such a material, neutrons can transfer large amounts of their energy to the light nuclei through collisions
Implementation Method 2
In numerous embodiments, boron is added to the enclosure material so as to capture thermal neutrons resulting from the collisions
Implementation Method 3
The cooling element can include a thermoelectric cooling module, such as a module using the Peltier effect
Implementation Method 4
In one embodiment, the heat dissipating means comprises heat pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation tolerant camera, including a camera module and having an electronic image sensor. The camera module is arranged in a radiation shielding enclosure, the enclosure having an opening for allowing passage of light into the image sensor. Furthermore, the camera module is connected to a heat absorbing cooling element dissipating heat from the camera module.