Water Phantom Dual Detector Reference Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing water phantom design limits the utilization of the water volume due to the space required by the adjustment device, preventing the radiation detectors from reaching all container walls, especially under cramped conditions when combined with imaging systems like nuclear magnetic resonance or tomography, resulting in a restricted measuring range.

Innovation Solution

The water phantom employs two radiation detectors that can move along multiple axes, with one serving as a reference detector for the other, eliminating the need for a separate external reference detector and allowing full utilization of the water container by using a shared two-channel electrometer and a switching device to alternate their roles based on position, enabling detection near container walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a stationary reference detector is used outside the water tank, then reference measurements can be obtained, but the installation space required increases and the measuring range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereference measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reference detector function with a movable detector that can be positioned inside the water tank. Instead of having a separate stationary reference detector outside the tank, the system uses a movable detector that can serve as reference when positioned in specific locations, thereby combining the measurement and reference functions within the same physical component and space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable detector is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as the primary measurement detector when positioned in the measurement area, and as the reference detector when positioned in the reference area. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for a dedicated stationary reference detector, reducing installation space requirements while maintaining reference measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the adjustment device is placed inside the water tank, then the setup is compact, but the water volume utilization is reduced and detector movement is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater volume utilizationVSAvoiddetector movement range
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the water tank into distinct functional zones: a measurement area where the detector performs radiation measurements, and a reference area where the detector serves as a reference detector. This spatial segmentation allows the detector to access different regions of the water volume without requiring the adjustment device to occupy space within the measurement volume, thereby improving water volume utilization while maintaining detector movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for a broader range of uses by fully utilizing the water phantom's space, reducing installation requirements, and enabling accurate measurement near container walls without the need for additional external detectors, thus enhancing measurement capabilities under constrained conditions.

Implementation Method 1

two radiation detectors (6) that can be moved together in a water container (2)... in a measurement with a first radiation detector (6) of the two radiation detectors (6), a second radiation detector (6) of the two radiation detectors (6) serves as a reference detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3357538B1Water phantom and method for measuring radiation with a water phantom
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 PTW FREIBURG PHYSIKALISCH TECH WERKSTAETTEN DR PYCHLAU GMBH
  • EP3357538B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Water phantom (1), with a water container (2) in which an adjustment device (3) is arranged, wherein the adjustment device (3) carries two radiation detectors (6) which are movable together with the adjustment device (6) along at least two, preferably three, axes (4) in the water container (2), wherein an evaluation device is arranged such that, in the case of a measurement with a first radiation detector (12) of the two radiation detectors (6), a second radiation detector (14) of the two radiation detectors (6) serves as a reference detector and vice versa.