Continuous Radon Monitoring System with Photodiode Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radon monitoring methods, particularly in multifamily and extended structures, face challenges such as high costs and prolonged transaction processes due to the reliance on passive sampling devices that require duplicate samples and repeated sampling events for verification.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for continuous radon monitoring involving a plurality of radon monitors deployed in a target environment, each equipped with a radon sensor, environmental sensors, and a processor to record and transmit data on radon decay events and ambient conditions, allowing for simultaneous and continuous data collection across multiple spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive sampling devices are used for radon monitoring in multifamily structures, then cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but measurement precision deteriorates and loss of time increases due to requirement for duplicate samples and repeated sampling events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical sampling devices with active electronic radon monitors that use photodiodes to detect alpha particles. This substitution enables continuous automated measurement, eliminating the need for duplicate samples and repeated sampling events while providing precise radon concentration data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous radon monitoring through automated electronic sensors that operate continuously without interruption. This continuous measurement approach replaces the intermittent passive sampling method, providing uninterrupted data collection that eliminates the need for duplicate samples and reduces time loss.
2Measurement precision
If passive sampling devices require duplicate samples for verification, then measurement precision is improved through verification, but loss of time increases due to prolonged transaction processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual verification process requiring duplicate samples with automated electronic monitoring and data transmission. The system continuously measures radon concentrations and transmits data remotely, providing immediate verification without requiring additional sampling events, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the radon monitor continuously measures radon concentrations, processes the data, and transmits results remotely. This real-time feedback system provides immediate verification of measurements, eliminating the need for duplicate samples and significantly reducing the time required for transaction processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are placed in various areas to calculate overall exposure level, then adaptability is improved for tracking individual exposure, but device complexity and loss of time increase due to data aggregation and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal radon monitor design that can be deployed in multiple locations simultaneously. Each monitor is an identical self-contained unit capable of measuring radon concentrations and transmitting data remotely. This standardized multi-functional device simplifies the overall system complexity while maintaining the adaptability to track exposure levels across different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple identical copies of the same radon monitor device deployed in different locations. Rather than creating a complex heterogeneous sensor network, the system uses replicated standardized units that all perform the same function. This copying approach simplifies data aggregation and processing while maintaining the ability to track exposure levels across various areas.
4Productivity
If continuous radon monitoring is implemented with automated data transmission, then productivity is improved through rapid data collection, but use of energy increases due to continuous operation and communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive sampling with active electronic monitoring that uses photodiodes and electronic processors to detect and transmit radon data continuously. This electronic system achieves rapid data collection and automated transmission, significantly improving productivity while the energy consumption is managed through efficient electronic components and intermittent communication protocols.
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 approach enables efficient, cost-effective, and rapid radon monitoring, reducing transaction delays and eliminating the need for duplicate sampling, while providing more definitive and defensible analytical results.
Implementation Method 1
Alpha particles hitting the photodiode create a number of electron-hole pairs which cause a small current to be generated
Implementation Method 2
a spherical chamber made of stainless steel... The spherical chamber creates an electrostatic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring an environmental contaminant includes the steps of dividing a target environment into a plurality of spaces, placing a monitor in each space, uploading device data from each monitor, and processing the device data to determine a level of environmental contamination within each space. Each monitor is configured to measure a level of an environmental contaminant within the space for a sample period. A radon monitor includes a radon sensor configured to detect radon decay events, an environmental sensor configured to measure an ambient condition of air surrounding the radon sensor, a processor configured to record device data including a count of a number of radon decay events and the ambient conditions, and a communication means for transmitting the device data. A system includes a plurality of monitors, a receiving device for receive device data from each monitor, and a cloud computer to process the device data.