Platform module for a detection system
By installing platform modules on the gantry inspection system and utilizing the switching between wheeled and tracked wheels, the problems of high installation cost and inconvenient relocation of traditional gantry inspection systems are solved, enabling low-cost and rapid deployment and relocation of the inspection system.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SMITHS DETECTION FRANCE SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Traditional gantry-type testing systems require installation at the testing site before testing can begin. The manufacturing and installation process requires significant resources, and the systems are not easily relocated, resulting in high installation costs and significant safety risks.
The gantry-type inspection system is installed on a platform module and transported and transferred using tire wheels. At the inspection site, it is replaced with rail wheels for easy installation, avoiding the use of large lifting equipment.
It reduces installation costs and time, simplifies operation, and enables the system to be flexibly moved and reused in different locations.
Smart Images
Figure CN122396937A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to, but is not limited to, platform modules for detection systems, which include ionizing radiation generators and ionizing radiation detectors. Background Technology
[0002] Cargo inspection systems come in various types. Each inspection system includes a radiation chain, which consists of an ionizing radiation generator and an ionizing radiation detector—that is, components capable of generating radiographic data.
[0003] Cargo inspection also includes several modes. In mobile inspection mode, the radial link is movable relative to the ground, while the cargo remains stationary relative to the ground. In channel-type inspection mode, the radial link remains stationary relative to the ground, while the cargo is movable relative to the ground.
[0004] In a channel-type detection system, the radiation link is fixed to the ground by a small civil engineering project, and the channel-type detection system uses a channel-type detection mode.
[0005] In gantry-type inspection systems, the radiation link is mounted on a track and is movable relative to the ground; gantry-type inspection systems use a mobile inspection mode.
[0006] Traditional gantry-type inspection systems have several drawbacks.
[0007] Traditional gantry milling systems require installation at the testing site before testing can be conducted. If testing is to be performed before installation, assembly, disassembly, transportation, and reassembly at the testing site are necessary. The manufacturing process of traditional gantry milling systems involves significant resource investment from the manufacturer for system operation control and factory acceptance testing (FAT). Transportation and on-site installation also require substantial resources. Since installation typically requires heavy lifting equipment, the extended installation time introduces cost and safety concerns. Furthermore, traditional gantry milling systems are only suitable for specific testing sites. In other words, once installed at a particular testing site, a traditional gantry milling system cannot be moved to another site. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The technical solutions and embodiments of the present invention are described in the appended claims. This document also describes the above-mentioned technical solutions, other technical solutions, and embodiments of the present invention as described in the claims. Attached Figure Description
[0009] The technical solution of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of example, wherein: Figure 1A and Figure 1B The detection system of this disclosure is illustrated schematically; Figure 2A and Figure 2B An exemplary track wheel is schematically shown mounted on an exemplary track; Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary truck wheel is schematically shown on the ground, such as a public road; Figure 4A and Figure 4B The schematic illustration shows a track wheel configured for use with an exemplary mechanical adapter; Figure 5A and Figure 5B A schematic cross-sectional view of multiple axles, adapters, and track wheels on the track is shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The steps of the detection system operation method are illustrated schematically.
[0010] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts are referred to by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation
[0011] Overview Embodiments of the testing system disclosed herein are configured to be movable between different sites. In embodiments of this disclosure, the gantry system is mounted on a platform module configured to move via truck wheels (i.e., tireed wheels), enabling the gantry system to be transported by road to testing sites and transferred between testing sites.
[0012] In embodiments of this disclosure, after the gantry inspection system arrives at the inspection site, some of the tireed wheels are replaced with rail wheels (similar to train wheels) to allow the gantry inspection system to be installed onto the track at the inspection site. In these embodiments, the gantry inspection system remains positioned on some of the tireed wheels, while the rail wheels are correspondingly installed on the gantry inspection system and placed on the track at the inspection site. This facilitates convenient installation at the inspection site without the need for any large lifting equipment.
[0013] The embodiments of this disclosure can be manufactured, assembled, debugged, and tested in a factory, and then transported to the installation site by road after testing is completed in the factory. Compared with traditional gantry inspection systems, the embodiments of this disclosure have lower installation costs, shorter installation time (e.g., about one week, this is only a non-limiting example), and lower operational difficulty.
[0014] In embodiments of this disclosure, the track wheels of the gantry inspection system installed at the testing site can be replaced with tire-equipped wheels, thereby enabling the gantry inspection system to be transferred to another testing site. In these embodiments, the gantry inspection system remains positioned on some of the track wheels, while the track wheels are correspondingly installed on the gantry inspection system, thereby allowing the inspection system to be moved out of the testing site. This operation is simple and does not require the use of any large lifting equipment. Since the gantry system is mounted on a mobile platform module and relies on wheels for transport to and between testing sites, the testing system embodiments of this disclosure can also serve as mobile inspection systems. As embodiments of mobile inspection systems, a mobile inspection mode or a pass-through inspection mode can be employed.
[0015] Exemplary embodiments Figure 1A and Figure 1B The detection system 1 is shown schematically.
[0016] The detection system 1 includes a platform module 2. The platform module 2 includes a platform 3. The platform 3 is used to support the ionizing radiation generator 4 (e.g., an X-ray generator), the cantilever module 5, and the control module 6. The cantilever module 5 is configured as a hinged cantilever for constituting the detection system 1, and the control module 6 is configured as a device for controlling the generator 4 and the detector (not shown in the figure) of the detection system 1.
[0017] The detector is configured to detect ionizing radiation that has passed through the inspected cargo (not shown in the figure).
[0018] The cantilever module 5 is configured to support the detector of the detection system 1. The cantilever module 5 has a retracted transport mode and an extended detection mode. Figure 1A In the middle, cantilever module 5 is in a retractable transport form; in Figure 1B In the middle, the cantilever module 5 is in the unfolded detection mode.
[0019] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In addition, platform module 2 also includes multiple axles 7, which can be selectively and detachably connected to the following two: Track wheels (exemplary track wheel 8 is mounted on exemplary track 10, see details) Figure 2A and Figure 2B ); Highway truck wheels (exemplary truck wheel 9 is placed on the ground 11 such as a highway, see details) Figure 3A and Figure 3B ).
[0020] exist Figure 2B In this configuration, one of the multiple axles, axle 7, can be selectively and detachably connected to the track wheel 8 of track 10. Figure 3BIn this configuration, one of the multiple axles, axle 7, can be selectively and detachably connected to the truck wheel 9 on the ground surface 11, such as a highway.
[0021] Since the axle 7 can be selectively and detachably connected to the track wheel 8 of the track 10 and the truck wheel 9 of the road 11, the detection system 1 can selectively operate as at least two types of detection systems.
[0022] When multiple axles 7 are connected to truck wheels 9 (e.g.) Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown), detection system 1 operates as a first-type device. The first-type device is a mobile detection system.
[0023] When multiple axles 7 are connected to track wheels 8 (e.g.) Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown), detection system 1 operates as a second type of equipment. The second type of equipment is a gantry-type detection system.
[0024] When the detection system 1 is operated as a Class I device, it is also configured to operate in corresponding detection modes. These corresponding detection modes include a mobile mode: in this mode, during cargo inspection, the detection system 1 moves along the cargo wheel 9 (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The system rolls on the ground and moves relative to the ground, while the inspected goods remain stationary relative to the ground. Various inspection modes also include a pass-through mode: in this mode, the inspection system 1 remains stationary relative to the ground during the inspection process, while the goods move relative to the ground.
[0025] When the detection system 1 is operated as a second type of device, it can be configured to operate in a mobile detection mode. In this mode, during the inspection of goods, the detection system 1 moves relative to the ground by rolling the track wheels 8 on the track 10 fixed to the ground (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The cargo remains stationary relative to the ground. Alternatively, when the detection system 1 is operating as a Class II device, it can be configured to operate in pass-through mode (to protect the driver inside the cargo being inspected, for example, when the cargo to be inspected is a vehicle, the radiation output dose of the generator 4 can be lower than that used in the moving detection mode).
[0026] In addition, or as another way, such as Figure 1B As shown, the detection system 1 can also be configured to selectively operate in a transfer mode, in which the cantilever module 5 is in a retracted transfer mode, and multiple axles 7 are connected to the wheels 9 of the road truck (see...). Figure 3A and Figure 3BWhen the detection system 1 is operating in transfer mode, it is configured to move from the production site to the cargo inspection and installation site by rolling on a road or other surface using the truck wheels 9. Alternatively, when the detection system 1 is operating in transfer mode, it is configured to move between various cargo inspection sites by rolling on a road using the truck wheels.
[0027] like Figure 1A As shown, platform module 2 is configured to cooperate with other components to form at least part of a truck trailer after assembly with other components, the truck trailer being configured to be towed by truck 12 on public roads.
[0028] like Figure 1A , Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the plurality of axles 7 include a first group 14 of axles 7 (e.g. Figure 1A The three rear axles 7 in the middle, so that when the first group 14 is connected to the wheels of the truck, the distance between the wheels is the first distance D1 (distance D1 is as follows). Figure 5A As shown, please note Figure 5A The axle 7 in the middle is connected to the track wheel), and the height between the first set of axles and the platform 3 is the first height H1 (height H1 is as follows). Figure 1A (As shown). In Figure 1A In the example shown, the plurality of axles 7 include a second group 15 of axles 7 (e.g. Figure 1A The front axle 7 in the middle, so that when the axle 7 is connected to the truck wheel, the distance between the wheels is the second distance D2, which is not equal to the first distance D1 (distance D2 is as follows). Figure 5B As shown, please note Figure 5B The axle 7 in the middle is connected to the track wheel), and the height between the second group 15 and the platform 3 is the second height H2, which is not equal to the first height H1.
[0029] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the middle, the track wheel 8 is also configured to cooperate with the mechanical adapter 13, which is configured to be connected to the end of the wheel axle. Figure 4A and Figure 4B (The wheel and axle are not shown.) The two can be connected by a nut and a bolt (the nut and bolt are not shown in the figure).
[0030] Figure 5A and Figure 5B In this configuration, the mechanical adapter 13 is set such that if the distance D1 or D2 between the ends of the wheel axle 7 is inconsistent with the distance D of the track 10 of the track wheel 8, after connecting the mechanical adapter 13 to the track wheel 8 and the wheel axle 7, the distance between the track wheels 8 is adapted to the distance of the track 10.
[0031] Alternatively, or in another way, the mechanical adapter 13 is configured such that: if the height between multiple axles 7 and platform 3 is not uniformly H1 or H2 (e.g. Figure 1A As shown), after connecting the mechanical adapter 13 to the track wheel 8 and the axle 7, the platform 3 remains basically horizontal relative to the track 10 (as shown). Figure 1B (As shown).
[0032] Figure 6A The steps of a method 100 for operating a detection system including a platform module according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated schematically.
[0033] like Figure 6A In step S1, the detection system first operates as a mobile detection system and / or is in a transfer mode, with multiple axles connected to the truck wheels (e.g., Figure 1A (As shown). The platform module can be moved by truck (e.g., Figure 1A (As shown).
[0034] like Figure 6A Method 100 includes replacing some of the truck wheels with rail wheels in step S2. (See reference) Figure 1A In step S2, part of group 14 is replaced with track wheels. Figure 6A In the method shown, the gantry inspection system is still placed on some of the tire wheels (i.e., the wheels of group 15 and / or truck 12), while the rail wheels are properly installed on the gantry inspection system, so that installation can be easily completed at the inspection site without any heavy lifting equipment.
[0035] like Figure 6A Method 100 includes placing the first set of replaced wheels on the track of the testing site in step S3 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1B (As shown). In Figure 6A In the method shown, the gantry inspection system is still placed on some of the tire wheels (i.e., the wheels of group 15 and / or truck 12), while the track wheels are appropriately placed above the track at the inspection site, so that installation can be easily completed at the inspection site without any heavy lifting equipment.
[0036] like Figure 6A Method 100 includes replacing the remaining truck wheels with rail wheels in step S4 (see reference). Figure 1A In step S4, group 15 is replaced with a track wheel, thereby setting the detection system to operate as a gantry detection system.
[0037] Method 100 may also optionally include installing a mechanical adapter at the end of the axle before installing the track wheel, such that: If the distance between the two ends of the wheel axle does not match the track spacing, the distance between the track wheels will match the track spacing after the mechanical adapter and track wheels are installed on the wheel axle. If the height between each axle and the platform is inconsistent, the platform will remain basically horizontal relative to the track after the mechanical adapter and track wheels are installed to the axles.
[0038] Figure 6B The steps of a method 200 for operating a detection system including a platform module according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated schematically.
[0039] like Figure 6B In step S10, the detection system initially operates as a channel-type detection system, with multiple axles connected to track wheels (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1B (As shown).
[0040] like Figure 6B Method 200 includes replacing some of the rail wheels with truck wheels in step S20. (See reference) Figure 1A In step S20, group 15 is replaced with a truck wheel. Figure 6B In the method shown, the channel inspection system is still placed on some track wheels (such as group 14), while the truck wheels are correspondingly installed on the channel inspection system, so that it can be easily removed from the inspection site without any heavy lifting equipment.
[0041] like Figure 6B Method 200 includes placing the first set of replaced wheels on the road surface of the inspection site in step S30. In 6B, the platform module of the inspection system can receive the truck and move it (e.g., Figure 1A (As shown).
[0042] like Figure 6B Method 200 includes step S40 of removing the remaining track wheels (such as...) Figure 1B Group 14) is replaced with truck wheels, so that the detection system is set to operate as a mobile detection system and / or in transit mode, with multiple axles connected to the truck wheels.
[0043] Method 200 also optionally includes removing the mechanical adapter (if any) on the axle end before installing the truck wheel.
[0044] In some embodiments, the platform module also includes an operator's cabin (not shown), configured to accommodate operators of the inspection system during cargo inspection. In some cases, if a higher radiation dose is required to achieve the desired performance, the system can be operated remotely.
[0045] In some examples, the detection system also includes an automation module (not shown in the figure), which is configured to control the movement of the detection system relative to the ground. The automation module may be located inside the control module.
Claims
1. A detection system, comprising a platform module, The platform module includes: The platform is used to support: Ionizing radiation generator A cantilever module, wherein the cantilever module is used to form an articulated cantilever of the detection system, the cantilever module is configured to support the ionizing radiation detector of the detection system, and has a contracted transport mode and an extended detection mode. A control module, comprising devices for controlling the generator and detector of the detection system; and Multiple axles, the axles being configured to be selectively and detachably connected to rail wheels and highway truck wheels. The detection system is configured to selectively operate as at least two types of detection systems: The first type involves a detection system configured as a mobile detection system, wherein multiple axles are connected to the wheels of a truck. The second type is a gantry-type detection system that operates with multiple axles connected to track wheels.
2. The detection system according to the preceding claim, wherein, When the detection system is operated as a first-type system, the detection system is also configured to operate in a corresponding detection mode, including: Movement mode: In the movement mode, the detection system moves relative to the ground by the truck wheels rolling on the ground during the cargo detection process, while the cargo remains stationary relative to the ground; Passing Mode: In the passing mode, the detection system remains stationary relative to the ground during cargo detection, while the cargo moves relative to the ground.
3. The detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the detection system is operated as a second type of system, the detection system is also configured to operate in a mobile detection mode: in the mobile detection mode, the detection system moves relative to the ground by the truck wheels rolling on the ground during the cargo detection process, while the cargo remains stationary relative to the ground.
4. The detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection system is further configured to selectively switch the transfer mode, wherein the cantilever module is in a retracted transfer mode, multiple axles are connected to the wheels of a road truck, and the detection system is configured to be able to transfer goods from the production site to the goods inspection and installation site, and / or, between various goods inspection sites, by rolling on the ground via the truck wheels.
5. The detection system according to the preceding claims, wherein, The track wheel is also configured to cooperate with a mechanical adapter, which is mounted on the end of the axle, and the mechanical adapter cooperates with the track wheel such that: If the distance between the two ends of the wheel axle does not match the track spacing, then after the mechanical adapter and the track wheel are installed on the wheel axle, the distance between the track wheels will match the track spacing. If the heights of the axles and the platform are not consistent, the platform will remain substantially horizontal relative to the track after the mechanical adapter and the track wheel are installed onto the axles.
6. The detection system according to the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of axles includes: The first set of axles, when connected to the truck wheels, the distance between the wheels is a first spacing, and the height between the axles and the platform is a first height; and The second set of wheel axles, when connected to the truck wheels, the distance between the wheels is a second spacing, and the second spacing is not equal to the first spacing; the height between the wheel axle and the platform is a second height, and the second height is not equal to the first height.
7. The detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The platform module is configured to cooperate with other components to form at least part of a truck trailer after assembly with the other components, the truck trailer being configured to be towed by a truck on public roads.
8. The detection system according to the preceding claims, wherein, The platform module also includes an operator's room, which is configured to accommodate operators of the inspection system during cargo inspection.
9. The detection system according to any one of the preceding claims, the detection system further comprising an automation module configured to control the movement of the detection system relative to the ground, the automation module being selectively located within the control module.
10. A method for operating a detection system, the detection system comprising a platform module, The platform module includes: The platform is used to support: Ionizing radiation generator A cantilever module, wherein the cantilever module is used to form an articulated cantilever of the detection system, the cantilever module is configured to support the ionizing radiation detector of the detection system, and has a contracted transport mode and an extended detection mode. A control module, comprising devices for controlling the generator and detector of the detection system; and Multiple axles, the axles being configured to be selectively and detachably connected to rail wheels and highway truck wheels. The detection system initially operates as a mobile detection system and / or is in a transport mode, with multiple axles connected to the wheels of the truck. The method includes: Replace some truck wheels with rail wheels; The first set of replaced wheels was placed on the track at the testing site; and The remaining truck wheels are replaced with rail wheels, and the detection system is set to operate as a gantry-type detection system, wherein multiple of the wheel axles are connected to the rail wheels.
11. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: Before installing the track wheels, install the mechanical adapter to the end of the wheel axle; Make: If the distance between the two ends of the wheel axle does not match the track spacing, then after the mechanical adapter and the track wheel are installed on the wheel axle, the distance between the track wheels will match the track spacing. If the heights of the axles and the platform are not consistent, the platform will remain substantially horizontal relative to the track after the mechanical adapter and the track wheel are installed onto the axles.
12. The method according to the preceding two claims, wherein, The platform module is configured to cooperate with other components to form at least a portion of a truck trailer after assembly with the other components, and the method further includes moving the detection system using a truck.
13. A method for operating a detection system, the detection system comprising a platform module, The platform module includes: The platform is used to support: Ionizing radiation generator A cantilever module, wherein the cantilever module is used to form an articulated cantilever of the detection system, the cantilever module is configured to support the ionizing radiation detector of the detection system, and has a contracted transport mode and an extended detection mode. A control module, comprising devices for controlling the generator and detector of the detection system; and Multiple axles, the axles being configured to be selectively and detachably connected to rail wheels and highway truck wheels. The detection system initially operates as a gantry-type detection system, and multiple wheel axles are connected to track wheels; The method includes: Replace some of the rail wheels with truck wheels; The first set of replaced wheels was placed on the test track surface; and The remaining track wheels are replaced with truck wheels, so that the detection system is set to operate as a mobile detection system and / or in a transfer mode, wherein multiple of the wheel axles are connected to the truck wheels.
14. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising: Before installing the truck wheel, remove the mechanical adapter from the end of the axle.
15. The method according to the preceding two claims, wherein, The platform module is configured to cooperate with other components to form at least a portion of a truck trailer after assembly with other components, and the method further includes using a truck to move the detection system.