Platform module for inspection system

Abstract

Platform Module for Inspection System In an example, it is described an inspection system comprising a platform module, wherein the platform module comprises: a platform configured to support: a generator of ionizing radiation, a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support ionizing radiation detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration, and a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be selectively and removably connected to both rail wheels for rails and truck wheels for public roads, such that the inspection system is configured to selectively operate as at least two types of inspection systems, a first type, where the inspection system is configured to operate as a mobile inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the truck wheels, and a second type, where the inspection system is configured to operate as a gantry inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the rail wheels.

Description

[0001] Platform Module for Inspection System

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates but is not limited to platform modules for inspection systems, the inspection systems comprising a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation.

[0004] Background of Invention

[0005] There are different types of cargo inspection systems. Each type of inspection system comprises a radiological chain comprising a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation, i.e. the elements which enable generation of radioscopic data.

[0006] There are also different modes of cargo inspection. In a mobile mode of inspection, the radiological chain is mobile with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being static with respect to the ground. In a pass-through mode of inspection, the radiological chain is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

[0007] In a portal inspection system type of inspection system, the radiological chain is fixed to the ground using minor civil engineering works, and the portal inspection type uses the pass-through mode of inspection.

[0008] However, in a gantry inspection system type of inspection system, the radiological chain is mounted on rails and is mobile with respect to the ground, and the gantry inspection type usually uses the mobile mode of inspection.

[0009] The conventional gantry inspection systems have several drawbacks.

[0010] Conventional gantry inspection systems need to be installed on an inspection site before they can be tested, or if they are to be tested before installation, they need to be mounted in a factory, dismantled for transportation and remounted on the inspection site. During the manufacturing process of the conventional gantry inspection systems, the control of the full operational gantry systems and the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) of the gantry systems require a lot of resources of the manufacturer. The conventional gantry inspection systems also require a lot of resources of the manufacturer to be delivered and installed on the inspection site. The installation time on an inspection site is also an issue in terms of cost and safety, as installation often requires heavy lifting devices. The conventional gantry inspection systems are specific to an inspection site. In other words, after a conventional gantry inspection system is installed at an inspection site, the conventional gantry inspection system is not moveable to a different inspection site.

[0011] Summary of Invention

[0012] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set out in the appended claims. These and other aspects, and embodiments which are helpful in understanding the invention set out in the claims, are also described herein.

[0013] Brief description of the Drawings

[0014] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] Figures 1A and 1 B schematically show an inspection system according to the disclosure;

[0016] Figures 2A and 2B schematically show an example rail wheel on an example rail;

[0017] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show an example truck wheel on a ground, such as a public road;

[0018] Figures 4A and 4B schematically show the rail wheels configured to cooperate with an example of mechanical adapters;

[0019] Figures 5A and 5B schematically show a cross section of a plurality of wheel axles, adaptors and rail wheels on rails;

[0020] Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent steps of methods for operating an inspection system.

[0021] In the figures, similar elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] Overview

[0024] Embodiments of an inspection system of the disclosure are configured to be displaceable between sites. In embodiments of the disclosure, a gantry system is mounted on a platform module which is configured to be mobile using truck wheels (i.e. with tyres), such that the gantry system can be transported to an inspection site and between inspection sites, using public roads.

[0025] In embodiments of the disclosure, after the gantry inspection system has arrived on an inspection site, a part of the wheels with tyres is replaced by rail wheels for rails (i.e. the wheels are similar to train wheels), so that the gantry inspection system can be installed on rails of the inspection site. In such embodiments, the gantry inspection system remains on some wheels with tyres while the rail wheels are appropriately mounted on the gantry inspection system and appropriately mounted over the rails of the inspection site, such that installation on the inspection site may be performed easily and without the need of any heavy lifting devices.

[0026] Embodiments of the disclosure may be manufactured, assembled, adjusted, and tested in a factory and thereafter transported by public roads to the installation site, after having been tested in the factory. Installation of embodiments of the disclosure is comparatively cheaper, comparatively quicker (e.g., around a week as a non-limiting example) and comparatively less difficult than those of conventional gantry inspection systems.

[0027] In embodiments of the disclosure, rail wheels for trains of a gantry inspection system which is in place on an inspection site may be replaced by wheels with tyres, so that the gantry inspection system can be displaced to another inspection site. In such embodiments, the gantry inspection system remains on some rail wheels while the wheels with tyres are appropriately mounted on the gantry inspection system, such that dismounting of the inspection system from the inspection site may be performed easily and without the need of any heavy lifting devices. As the gantry system is mounted on a mobile platform module using wheels for transportation to at least an inspection site and between inspection sites, embodiments of an inspection system of the disclosure may be used as a mobile inspection system as well. Such embodiments used as mobile inspection systems may use the mobile mode of inspection or the pass-through mode of inspection.

[0028] Examples embodiments

[0029] Figures 1A and 1 B schematically show an inspection system 1.

[0030] The inspection system 1 comprises a platform module 2. The platform module 2 comprises a platform 3. The platform 3 is configured to support a generator 4 of ionizing radiation (such as x-rays), a boom module 5 configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system 1 , and a control module 6 comprising means for controlling the generator 4 and detectors (not shown in the figures) of the inspection system 1 .

[0031] The detectors are configured to detect the ionizing radiation after it has been transmitted through cargo (not shown in the figures) under inspection.

[0032] The boom module 5 is configured to support the detectors of the inspection system 1. The boom module 5 has a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration. In Figure 1A, the boom module 5 is represented in the retracted, transport configuration. In Figure 1 B, the boom module 5 is represented in the deployed, inspection configuration.

[0033] In Figures 1A and 1 B, the platform module 2 also comprises a plurality of wheel axles 7 configured to be selectively and removably connected to both: rail wheels for rails (an example rail wheel 8 is shown on an example rail 10, at Figures 2A and 2B), and truck wheels for public roads (an example truck wheel 9 is shown on a ground 11 , such as a public road, at Figures 3A and 3B).

[0034] In Figure 2B, a wheel axle 7 of the plurality of axles is shown as selectively and removably connected to the rail wheel 8 for the rail 10. In Figure 3B, the wheel axle 7 of the plurality of axles is shown as selectively and removably connected to the truck wheel 9 for the ground 11 , such as the public road 11 .

[0035] Because the wheel axles 7 are configured to be selectively and removably connected to both rail wheels 8 for rails 10 and truck wheels 9 for public roads 11 , the inspection system 1 is configured to selectively operate as at least two types of inspection systems. When the plurality of wheel axles 7 is connected to the truck wheels 9 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B), the inspection system 1 operates as a first type. In the first type, the inspection system 1 is configured to operate as a mobile inspection system.

[0036] When the plurality of wheel axles 7 is connected to the rail wheels 8 (shown in Figures 2A and 2B), the inspection system 1 operates as a second type. In the second type, the inspection system 1 is configured to operate as a gantry inspection system.

[0037] When the inspection system 1 operates as the first type, the inspection system 1 is further configured to operate in respective modes of inspection. The respective modes of inspection comprise a mobile mode, in which the inspection system 1 is mobile with respect to the ground during inspection of cargo using the truck wheels 9 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) rolling on the ground, the cargo under inspection being static with respect to the ground. The respective modes of inspection also comprise a pass-through mode, in which the inspection system 1 is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

[0038] When the inspection system 1 operates as the second type, the inspection system 1 may be configured to operate in a mobile mode of inspection, in which the inspection system is mobile with respect to the ground during inspection of cargo using the rail wheels 8 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B) rolling on the 10 rails fixed to the ground, the cargo being static with respect to the ground. Additionally or alternatively, when the inspection system 1 operates as the second type, the inspection system 1 may be configured to operate in a in pass-through mode (possibly using a lower dose emitted by the generator 4 compared to that used in the mobile mode of inspection, in order to protect a driver in the cargo under inspection, e.g., when the cargo to be inspected is a vehicle).

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, as shown in Figure 1 B, the inspection system 1 may be further configured to selectively operate in a transport configuration, where the boom module 5 is in the retracted, transport configuration, and where the plurality of wheel axles 7 is connected to the truck wheels 9 for public roads (as shown in Figures 3A and 3B). When the inspection system 1 operates in the transport configuration, the inspection system 1 is configured to be mobile from a manufacture site of the inspection system 1 to an installation site for cargo inspection, using the truck wheels 9 rolling on the ground, such as public roads. Additionally or alternatively, when the inspection system 1 operates in the transport configuration, the inspection system 1 is configured to be mobile between cargo inspection sites, using the truck wheels rolling on public roads.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1A, the platform module 2 is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of a truck trailer configured to be towed on public roads by a truck 12.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1A and Figures 5A and 5B, the plurality of wheel axles 7 comprises a first subset 14 of axles 7 (e.g., the three rear axles 7 in Figure 1A) such that, when the axles of the first subset 14 are connected to wheels for trucks, the distance between the wheels is a first distance Di (the distance Di is shown in Figure 5A, note that the wheel axles 7 are connected to rail wheels in Figure 5A) and the height between the first subset of axles and the platform 3 is a first height Hi (the height Hi is shown in Figure 1 A). In the example of Figure 1A, the plurality of wheel axles 7 comprises a second subset 15 of axles 7 (e.g., the front axle 7 in Figure 1A) such that, when the axles 7 are connected to wheels for trucks, the distance between the wheels is a second distance D2different from the first distance Di (the distance D2is shown in Figure 5B, note that the wheel axles 7 are connected to rail wheels in Figure 5B) and the height between the second subset 15 of axles and the platform 3 is a second height H2 different from the first height Hi.

[0042] In Figures 4A and 4B, the rail wheels 8 are further configured to cooperate with mechanical adapters 13 (e.g., using nuts and bolts not shown in the figures) configured to be mounted on the extremities of the wheel axles (not shown in Figures 4A and 4B).

[0043] In Figures 5A and 5B, mechanical adapters 13 are configured such that, if a distance Di or D2between extremities of the axles 7 does not correspond to a distance D between the rails 10 for the rail wheels 8, the distance between the rail wheels 8 corresponds to the distance D between the rails after the mechanical adapters 13 and the rail wheels 8 are mounted to the wheel axles 7.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the mechanical adapters 13 are configured such that if a height Hi or H2between the axles 7 and the platform 3 is not the same for all of the axles 7 (as shown in Figure 1A), the platform is substantially horizontal with respect to the rails 10 after the mechanical adapters 13 and the rail wheels 8 are mounted to the wheel axles 7 (as shown in Figure 1 B).

[0045] Figure 6A schematically represents steps of a method 100 for operating an inspection system comprising a platform module according to any aspects of the disclosure.

[0046] In Figure 6A, at S1 the inspection system operates first as a mobile inspection system and / or in a transport configuration, the plurality of wheel axles being connected to the truck wheels (e.g., as shown in Figure 1A). The platform module may be moved using a truck (e.g., as shown in Figure 1A).

[0047] In Figure 6A, the method 100 comprises replacing at S2 a subset of the truck wheels by rail wheels. Referring to Figure 1A, the subset 14 of truck wheels is replaced by rail wheels at S2. In the method of Figure 6A, the gantry inspection system remains on some wheels with tyres (i.e. the subset 15 and / or the wheels of the truck 12) while the rail wheels are appropriately mounted on the gantry inspection system, such that installation on the inspection site may be performed easily and without the need of any heavy lifting devices.

[0048] In Figure 6A, the method 100 comprises placing at S3 the replaced first subset of the wheels on rails of an inspection site (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 B). In the method of Figure 6A, the gantry inspection system remains on some wheels with tyres (i.e. the subset 15 and / or the wheels of the truck 12) while the rail wheels are appropriately mounted on over the rails of the inspection site, such that installation on the inspection site may be performed easily and without the need of any heavy lifting devices.

[0049] In Figure 6A, the method 100 comprises replacing at S4 a rest of the truck wheels by rail wheels (referring to Figure 1A, the subset 15 of truck wheels is replaced by rail wheels at S4), such that the inspection system is configured to operate as a gantry inspection system.

[0050] The method 100 may further optionally comprise mounting mechanical adapters on extremities of the wheel axles before mounting the rail wheels, such that: if a distance between extremities of the axles does not correspond to a distance between the rails for the rail wheels, the distance between the rail wheels corresponds to the distance between the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles, or if a height between the axles and the platform is not the same for all of the axles, the platform is substantially horizontal with respect to the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles.

[0051] Figure 6B schematically represents steps of a method 200 for operating an inspection system comprising a platform module according to any aspects of the disclosure.

[0052] In Figure 6B, at S10 the inspection system operates first as a gantry inspection system, the plurality of wheel axles being connected to the rail wheels (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 B).

[0053] In Figure 6B, the method 200 comprises replacing at S20 a subset of the rail wheels by truck wheels. Referring to Figure 1A, the subset 15 of rail wheels is replaced by truck wheels at S20. In the method of Figure 6B, the gantry inspection system remains on some rail wheels (e.g., the subset 14) while the truck wheels are appropriately mounted on the gantry inspection system, such that dismounting from the inspection site may be performed easily and without the need of any heavy lifting devices.

[0054] In Figure 6B, the method 200 comprises placing at S30 the replaced first subset of the wheels on a road of an inspection site. In Figure 6B, the platform module of the inspection system may be attached and moved using a truck (as shown in Figure 1A).

[0055] In Figure 6B, the method 200 comprises replacing at S40 a rest of the rail wheels (as shown e.g., as subset 14 of Figure 1 B) by truck wheels, such that the inspection system is configured to operate as a mobile inspection system and / or in a transport configuration, the plurality of wheel axles being connected to the truck wheels.

[0056] The method 200 may further optionally comprise dismounting mechanical adapters, if present, from extremities of the wheel axles before mounting the truck wheels.

[0057] In some examples, the platform module further comprises an operator room (not shown in the figures), configured to house an operator of the inspection system during inspection of cargo. In some cases, where it is desired to use an increased radiation dosage to achieve level of performances the system may be operated remotely. ln some examples, the inspection system further comprises an automation module (not shown in the figures) configured to control movement of the inspection system with respect to the ground. The automation module may be located in the control module.

Claims

Claims1. An inspection system comprising a platform module, wherein the platform module comprises: a platform configured to support: a generator of ionizing radiation, a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support ionizing radiation detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration, and a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be selectively and removably connected to both rail wheels for rails and truck wheels for public roads, such that the inspection system is configured to selectively operate as at least two types of inspection systems, a first type, where the inspection system is configured to operate as a mobile inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the truck wheels, and a second type, where the inspection system is configured to operate as a gantry inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the rail wheels.

2. The inspection system of the preceding claim, wherein, when the inspection system operates as the first type, the inspection system is further configured to operate in respective modes of inspection comprising: a mobile mode, in which the inspection system is mobile with respect to the ground during inspection of cargo using the truck wheels rolling on the ground, the cargo being static with respect to the ground, and a pass-through mode, in which the inspection system is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

3. The inspection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, when the inspection system operates as the second type, the inspection system is further configured to operate in a mobile mode of inspection, in which the inspection system is mobile with respect to the ground during inspection of cargo using the rail wheels rolling on rails fixed to the ground, the cargo being static with respect to the ground.

4. The inspection system of any of the preceding claims, further configured to selectively operate in a transport configuration, wherein the boom module is in the retracted, transport configuration, and wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to truck wheels for public roads, the inspection system being configured to be mobile from a manufacture site to an installation site for cargo inspection and / or between cargo inspection sites, using the truck wheels rolling on the ground.

5. The inspection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the rail wheels are further configured to cooperate with mechanical adapters configured to be mounted on the extremities of the wheel axles, the mechanical adapters being configured such that: if a distance between extremities of the axles does not correspond to a distance between the rails for the rail wheels, the distance between the rail wheels corresponds to the distance between the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles, if a height between the axles and the platform is not the same for all of the axles, the platform is substantially horizontal with respect to the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles.

6. The inspection system of the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of wheel axles comprises: a first subset of axles such that, when the axles of the first subset are connected to wheels for trucks, the distance between the wheels is a first distance and the height between the first subset of axles and the platform is a first height, and a second subset of axles such that, when the axles are connected to wheels for trucks, the distance between the wheels is a second distance different from the firstdistance and the height between the second subset of axles and the platform is a second height different from the first height.

7. The inspection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the platform module is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of a truck trailer configured to be towed on public roads by a truck.

8. The inspection system of the preceding claim, wherein the platform module further comprises an operator room, configured to house an operator of the inspection system during inspection of cargo.

9. The inspection system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an automation module configured to control movement of the inspection system with respect to the ground, optionally wherein the automation module is located in the control module.

10. A method for operating an inspection system comprising a platform module, wherein the platform module comprises: a platform configured to support: a generator of ionizing radiation, a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support ionizing radiation detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration, and a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be selectively and removably connected to both rail wheels for rails and truck wheels for public roads, wherein the inspection system operates first as a mobile inspection system and / or in a transport configuration, the plurality of wheel axles being connected to the truck wheels, the method comprising:replacing a subset of the truck wheels by rail wheels; placing the replaced first subset of the wheels on rails of an inspection site; and replacing a rest of the truck wheels by rail wheels, such that the inspection system is configured to operate as a gantry inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the rail wheels.

11. The method of the preceding claim, further comprising: mounting mechanical adapters on extremities of the wheel axles before mounting the rail wheels, such that: if a distance between extremities of the axles does not correspond to a distance between the rails for the rail wheels, the distance between the rail wheels corresponds to the distance between the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles, if a height between the axles and the platform is not the same for all of the axles, the platform is substantially horizontal with respect to the rails after the mechanical adapters and the rail wheels are mounted to the wheel axles.

12. The method of the two preceding claims, wherein the platform module is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of a truck trailer, the method further comprising moving the inspection system using a truck.

13. A method for operating an inspection system comprising a platform module, wherein the platform module comprises: a platform configured to support: a generator of ionizing radiation, a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support ionizing radiation detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration, and a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; anda plurality of wheel axles configured to be selectively and removably connected to both rail wheels for rails and truck wheels for public roads, wherein the inspection system operates first as a gantry inspection system, wherein the plurality of wheel axles is connected to the rail wheels, the method comprising: replacing a subset of the rail wheels by truck wheels; placing the replaced first subset of the wheels on a road of an inspection site; and replacing a rest of the rail wheels by truck wheels, such that the inspection system is configured to operate as a mobile inspection system and / or in a transport configuration, the plurality of wheel axles being connected to the truck wheels.

14. The method of the preceding claim, further comprising: dismounting mechanical adapters from extremities of the wheel axles before mounting the truck wheels.

15. The method of the two preceding claims, wherein the platform module is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of a truck trailer, the method further comprising moving the inspection system using a truck.

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