Scintillator Dual-Mode Cargo Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo inspection systems are hindered by the expense and bulkiness of additional detectors required to detect hidden radioactive sources, which are often cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A detection device utilizing a single scintillator for both X-ray and gamma radiation pulses, allowing for simultaneous measurement without additional detectors, employing low-cost and low-sensitivity sensors, and enabling operation during radiation pulse emission and afterglow periods to detect radioactive sources effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional dedicated detectors are provided to detect radioactive sources, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects both inspection radiation (X-rays) and radioactive sources (gamma rays) using the same detection medium. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated detectors for radioactive source detection, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection functions for inspection radiation and radioactive sources into a single integrated detection system. The scintillator and associated electronics serve dual purposes, merging what would traditionally require separate detector systems into one unified apparatus.
2Reliability
If additional dedicated detectors are provided to detect radioactive sources, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the scintillator to respond to both X-ray and gamma-ray radiation, the system eliminates the need to manufacture and install additional dedicated detectors for radioactive source detection. This reduces material costs, installation expenses, and maintenance requirements while preserving detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the scintillator measures light during both radiation pulse and afterglow periods, then detection quality is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is divided into periodic phases: a first acquisition line operates during the radiation pulse period to measure primary signal, while a second acquisition line operates during the afterglow period to measure residual signal. This periodic measurement approach improves detection quality by utilizing all available signal information while managing measurement complexity through temporal separation of measurement tasks.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective detection of hidden radioactive sources without the need for additional detectors, improving reliability and reducing the likelihood of source shielding by smugglers, while maintaining detection quality.
Implementation Method 1
The scintillator 4 is configured to re-emit light in response to interaction with successive first radiation pulses 5... The scintillator 4 is also configured to re-emit light in response to interaction with a second radiation 7 generated by a radioactive source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In one embodiment, there is provided a detection device (1) for a system for inspection of cargo, comprising: at least one scintillator (4) configured to re-emit light in response to: interaction with successive first radiation pulses (5) emitted by a generator (6), and/or interaction with second radiation (5) generated by a radioactive source (8) located in the cargo (3) to inspect; at least one first acquisition line (9) configured to measure a quantity associated with the light re-emitted by the at least one scintillator in response to interaction with the successive first radiation pulses; and at least one a second acquisition line (10) configured to measure a quantity associated with the light re-emitted by the at least one scintillator in response to interaction with at least the second radiation.