Interchangeable Collimator Shielding for X-ray Probe Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiological characterization devices struggle to accurately detect sources of ionizing radiation of lower intensity amidst more intense sources and are often masked by parasitic noise, lacking the ability to adjust collimators effectively.

Innovation Solution

A radiological characterization device with an adjustable, U-shaped collimator and interchangeable radiological measurement probes, where the collimator and shielding screens can be adjusted in thickness and position to protect the probe from parasitic radiation, allowing for precise characterization of ionizing radiation sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed collimator is used to protect against parasitic radiation, then protection against intense sources is improved, but the ability to detect lower intensity sources is worsened due to masking effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against parasitic radiationVSAvoiddetection of lower intensity sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The collimator is made interchangeable and adjustable, allowing the field of view to be dynamically modified according to the radiological context. This enables optimization between protection against intense sources and detection of lower intensity sources by selecting appropriate collimator configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing parameters such as collimator field of view, shielding thickness, and probe type to adapt to different measurement situations. This enables the device to switch between protection mode and detection mode as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding thickness is increased to reduce parasitic noise, then protection against intense sources is improved, but the device complexity and interchangeability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasitic noise reductionVSAvoidinterchangeable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system is segmented into interchangeable screens of different thicknesses that can be selected based on the radiological context. This allows optimization of noise reduction without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interchangeable shielding screens serve multiple functions: they provide different levels of protection, enable adaptation to various radiation scenarios, and maintain a compact device structure through standardized mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single probe type is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to perform multiple measurement functions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe configurationVSAvoidmeasurement functions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement probe is made interchangeable, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions (spectrometry, dose rate measurement) by simply changing the probe. This provides versatility without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe configuration is made dynamic and adaptable to different measurement needs, allowing the system to switch between different probe types based on the specific radiological characterization task at hand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effective characterization of ionizing radiation sources of varying intensities by reducing parasitic noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for accurate dose rate and spectrometry measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the collimator and the shielding screens ensuring protection of the probe against parasitic ionizing radiation originating from sources of ionizing radiation situated outside the field of observation of the collimator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2406662B1Device for x-ray characterisation protected against parasitic ionising radiation sources

Publication Date: 2013.07.10 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~2A

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for X-ray characterisation, comprising at least one collimated X-ray measuring probe (6) having a sensitive end arranged in an interchangeable collimator (2) having an opening and a field of view. The collimator (2) is supported by a collimator holder (1), and the collimator and collimator holder assembly (3) is inserted into a stack between two shield screens (5), the shield screens (5) being interchangeable so as to adjust the thickness thereof, and the collimator and collimator holder assembly (11) and the shield screens (5) providing protection to the probe (6) against parasitic ionising radiation from ionising radiation sources located outside the field of view of the collimator (2).