Shielded Container Radiation Sensor GPS Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and inventorying radioactive materials rely heavily on human involvement, leading to inefficiencies and increased safety and security risks due to the multiple parties handling these materials, particularly during storage, transportation, and usage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wireless communications device, GPS, and a radiation sensor integrated into a shielded container to remotely detect and track the presence and location of radioactive sources, enabling automated reporting and inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human involvement is used for tracking and inventorying radioactive materials, then procedures can be performed manually, but safety and security risks increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tracking and monitoring of radioactive materials through embedded sensors, GPS devices, and wireless communication capabilities. The container autonomously records location, detects radiation presence, and transmits data without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both safety by reducing human exposure and efficiency by eliminating manual tracking processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic monitoring system. Sensors, GPS receivers, and wireless transmitters substitute for human personnel physically tracking and inventorying radioactive materials, resolving the contradiction by simultaneously improving safety (less human involvement) and efficiency (automated continuous monitoring)
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parties handle radioactive materials during storage and transportation, then materials can be moved between locations, but security risks and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous real-time feedback on the location and status of radioactive materials through GPS tracking and radiation sensors. Each party handling the materials can monitor its position and status, creating a transparent chain of custody that maintains security while enabling multi-party transportation and storage operations
Solution Approach 2:
The shielded container integrates multiple functions including radiation shielding, GPS tracking, radiation detection, and wireless communication into a single system. This universal design allows the same container to be securely handled by multiple parties across different locations while maintaining continuous monitoring, thus enabling transportation versatility without compromising security
3Productivity
If automated monitoring systems are implemented, then safety and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS tracking, radiation sensing, wireless communication, and data processing capabilities into an integrated monitoring system within the shielded container. By merging these functions into a unified system rather than separate components, the patent improves efficiency through automated monitoring while managing complexity through integration and consolidation
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 solution enhances the ability to securely and efficiently track and manage radioactive materials by reducing human intervention, improving safety and compliance with regulations through real-time monitoring and reporting.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor configured to detect the presence of a radioactive source located inside the shielded container
Data Source
AI summary
A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.