Radon Detector With Disposable Electret Chamber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radon detection devices are cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to use, with insufficient sensitivity, and they do not meet the needs of users or organizations for monitoring radon and its descendants in open environments, particularly in homes and public spaces, where ventilation and aeration issues exacerbate radon accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A compact, user-friendly radon detection device featuring a disc-shaped support with a peripheral and central conductive electrode system, incorporating a PN junction detector on silicon with a passivation layer and conductive layers, capable of operating in open air and light conditions, and utilizing an electronic signal processing chain for improved sensitivity and data storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a semiconductor detector is used for counting alpha particles, then detection capability is provided, but the device becomes expensive and difficult to use by individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddifficulty to use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable electret ionization chamber that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for complex, expensive semiconductor detectors while maintaining detection capability. The disposable nature simplifies operation for individuals while providing adequate measurement precision for radon monitoring.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex semiconductor detection mechanisms with a simpler electret ionization chamber that uses electrostatic fields to capture and count alpha particles. This substitution reduces operational complexity and cost while preserving the essential detection function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If electrostatic capture and measurement devices are used, then radon detection is enabled, but the devices are cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradon detection capabilityVSAvoidcumbersomeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex electrostatic capture devices, isolating the core capability to detect radon and its descendants. By removing unnecessary components and using a simplified electret chamber design, the device achieves radon detection capability without the cumbersome structure of traditional electrostatic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The disposable nature of the electret ionization chamber eliminates the need for complex, expensive, and cumbersome electrostatic capture mechanisms. The chamber can be easily replaced rather than repaired or maintained, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

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

3Productivity

If continuous detection devices are used, then monitoring capability is provided, but sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the electret ionization chamber parameters including voltage, chamber geometry, and detection volume to enhance sensitivity while maintaining continuous monitoring capability. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the device achieves both continuous operation and adequate sensitivity for radon detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides enhanced sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, enabling reliable detection and monitoring of radon and its descendants, with the ability to store and analyze data, addressing the limitations of existing devices by being compact, easy to use, and compatible with individual needs.

Implementation Method 1

a PN junction (20) forming an electrode for collecting radionuclides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPN junction detection:

Implementation Method 2

means (14) for electrostatic collection of aerosols

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic collection: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP2238472B1Radon detector and continuous detection device including such detector
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 PEARL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO
  • EP2238472B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a detector (20) for detecting radon and the decay products thereof in the surrounding air, including in particular aerosols, characterised in that it comprises: a silicon pellet having a PN junction with a deserted area, for transmitting signals under the action of the radiation generated by radon and said decay products; a passivation layer (22) covering said silicon pellet and enabling the operation of said detector in open air; and a conducting layer (24) covering the passivation layer and defining a radionuclide collecting electrode. The invention also relates to a detection device including said detector.