Structure for inspection system

Abstract

Structure for Inspection System In an example it is disclosed a structure configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems including a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type and a mobile inspection system type, each of the inspection systems comprising a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation, wherein the structure comprises: a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support the detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration; a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and a platform module comprising: a platform configured to support the generator, the boom module and the control module, and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be connected to either train wheels and / or truck wheels.

Description

[0001] Structure for Inspection System

[0002] Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates but is not limited to structures 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] 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 uses the mobile mode of inspection.

[0009] A mobile inspection system type of inspection system comprises a trailer or a truck, such that the inspection system is configured to be able to be moveable between different inspection locations. In other words, the mobile inspection systems comprise trailers or trucks equipped with a complete radiological chain. The mobile inspection system type may use the mobile mode of inspection or the pass-through mode of inspection.

[0010] The conventional inspection systems of the types listed above have several drawbacks.

[0011] The radiological chain of one type of inspection system is usually different from that of another type of inspection system. The radiological chains are dedicated to an inspection system type and are not interchangeable: it is not possible to transform a gantry inspection system into a portal inspection system, or vice versa. The different geometries of the respective radiological chains are such that post-processing software (for example deep-learning image processing software) require specific adjustments for each system.

[0012] The portal and gantry types are not displaceable. Conventional gantry and portal types 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.

[0013] Summary of Invention

[0014] 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.

[0015] Brief description of the Drawings

[0016] Aspects of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0017] Figure 1A schematically shows an example platform module of an example structure according to the disclosure;

[0018] Figure 1 B schematically shows an example boom module of an example structure according to the disclosure, in a deployed position;

[0019] Figure 1C schematically shows an example control module of an example structure according to the disclosure;

[0020] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C schematically show example platform modules, boom modules and control modules, as assembled in three different types of inspection systems, the respective inspection systems being in an inspection mode, where

[0021] Figure 2A schematically represents the structure in a portal inspection system,

[0022] Figure 2B schematically represents the structure in a gantry inspection system, and

[0023] Figure 2C schematically represents the structure in a mobile inspection system;

[0024] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C schematically show the inspection systems of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, respectively, in a transport mode;

[0025] Figure 4 represents steps of an example method for manufacturing a structure according to the disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 represents steps of an example method for manufacturing an example inspection system according to the disclosure.

[0027] In the figures, similar elements bear the same numerical reference.

[0028] Detailed description

[0029] Overview

[0030] The disclosure discloses a structure configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems including a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type and a mobile inspection system type.

[0031] In other words, the structure is manufactured at a manufacturing site or a factory and is common to the above-mentioned at least three types of inspection systems.

[0032] After the common structure has been manufactured at the manufacturing site or the factory, the common structure can further cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of a portal inspection system type, or of a gantry inspection system type, or of a mobile inspection system type. Some of the other elements may be specific to a particular type of inspection system or may also be common to at least two types of inspection systems.

[0033] The common structure mainly comprises a boom module, a control module and a platform module. The platform module comprises a platform configured to support a generator of ionizing radiation, the boom module and the control module. The boom module is configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration. The control module comprises means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system. The platform module further comprises a plurality of wheel axles configured to be connected to either train wheels and / or truck wheels.

[0034] Embodiments of the structure of the disclosure have several advantages.

[0035] Embodiments of the structure of the disclosure have a radiological chain which is common to the different types of inspection systems. Embodiments of the structure of the disclosure may further comprise an automation module which is common to two or more types of inspection systems.

[0036] Transformation of a type of inspection system into one or more other types of inspection systems, for example in a factory or manufacturing site, is easier compared to that for conventional systems. Transformation may also be performed at a cargo inspection site: for example, a gantry inspection system type can use a pass-through mode of inspection like a portal inspection system type, and, similarly, a portal inspection system type can be transformed into a gantry inspection system type at the cargo inspection site, e.g., by replacing truck wheels by train wheels cooperating with rails.

[0037] Embodiments of inspection systems of the disclosure may be manufactured, assembled, adjusted, and tested in a factory. Embodiments of the inspection systems of the disclosure may be transported by road to the installation site after having been tested in the factory or may also be transported between cargo inspection sites. Installation and dismantling of embodiments of the disclosure are cheaper and less difficult compared to those of conventional inspection systems.

[0038] Serviceability of the inspection systems of the disclosure is enhanced because of the fewer different modules and more modules in common, and a simpler training is required for field service engineers.

[0039] Managing the stocks and supply chain of spare parts is easier compared to that of conventional systems, and the prices of the modules of the structure are reduced compared to those of conventional systems because of higher manufacture volumes.

[0040] Because of the common modules and the possible use of a larger database, development costs of post-processing software are lower and software performances higher compared to those for conventional inspection systems.

[0041] Example embodiments

[0042] Figure 1 A schematically shows an example platform module 6 of an example structure 1 according to the disclosure.

[0043] As shown in Figure 1A, the platform module 6 of the structure 1 comprises a platform 61 configured to support a generator (not shown in Figure 1A), a boom module (not shown in Figure 1A) and a control module (also not shown in the Figure 1A). In Figure 1A, the platform 61 is configured to support the generator in a rear part 611 of the platform 61 , the boom module in a front part 612 of the platform 61 , and the control module in a middle part 613 of the platform 61 .

[0044] The front part 612 comprises a resting frame 614 configured to support a boom of the boom module in a transport configuration, as explained in more detail below.

[0045] The middle part 613 comprises a mounting frame 615 configured to support the components of the control module, as explained in more detail below.

[0046] As shown in Figure 1A, the platform module 6 also comprises a plurality of wheel axles 62 (three wheel axles in Figure 1 A) configured to be connected to either train wheels (as explained in more detail below) and / or truck wheels (as shown in Figure 1A).

[0047] Figure 1 B schematically shows an example boom module 4 of the example structure 1 according to the disclosure, in a deployed position. As shown in Figure 1 B, the boom module 4 is configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system. The boom module 4 is configured to support detectors 3 of ionizing radiation of the inspection system. Figure 1 B shows that each of the inspection systems comprises a generator 2 of the ionizing radiation. In Figure 1 B, the boom module 4 is also configured to support the generator 2, in a rear part 40.

[0048] Figure 1C schematically shows an example control module 5 of the example structure 1 according to the disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 C, the structure 1 comprises a control module 5 comprising means 50 for controlling the generator 2 and the detectors 3 of the inspection system. In Figure 1 C, the means 50 are mounted on the mounting frame 615.

[0049] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C schematically show example structures 1 according to the disclosure. In Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, each of the structures 1 is configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems. The types of inspection systems include: a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type, and a mobile inspection system type. Figures 2A, 2B and 2C schematically show respective modules, in the three different types of inspection systems. In Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the respective inspection systems are represented in an inspection mode.

[0050] Figure 2A schematically represents the structure 1 in a portal system.

[0051] Figure 2B schematically represents the structure 1 in a gantry system.

[0052] Figure 2C schematically represents the structure 1 in a mobile system.

[0053] In Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the boom module 4 is shown in a deployed, inspection configuration.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the structure 1 is further configured to have at least two configurations corresponding to respective modes of inspection. The at least two configurations of the structure comprise a mobile configuration and a pass-through configuration.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2A, in the pass-through configuration corresponding to the pass- through mode of inspection, the structure 1 is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2B, in the mobile configuration corresponding to a scan mode of inspection, the structure 1 is mobile with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo (not shown in the Figures) being static with respect to the ground.

[0057] As already stated, in Figure 2C, the structure 1 is in a mobile system, and the structure 1 can be used both in the scan or pass-through modes of inspection.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the structure 1 is configured to cooperate with other elements 7, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements 7, at least part of an inspection system comprising any of the gantry inspection system type or the portal inspection type.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2A, when the structure 1 is configured to form at least part of an inspection system of the portal inspection system type, the platform 61 comprises support bars 91 configured to contact the ground, such that the structure is static to form a pass-through configuration for cargo inspection in the pass-through mode of inspection.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2B, when the structure 1 is configured to form at least part of an inspection system of the gantry inspection system type, the wheel axles 62 are configured to be connected to train wheels 82 such that the structure 1 is mounted on rails 81 to form a mobile configuration for cargo inspection in the scan mode of inspection.

[0061] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the boom module 4 is configured such that, in the deployed, inspection configuration, the articulated boom can be part of any of the portal inspection system type (Figure 2A) or the gantry inspection system type (Figure 2B).

[0062] As shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the platform module 6 is configured to have a road mode in which the wheel axles are configured to be connected to truck wheels, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to a cargo inspection site.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in the road mode, the wheel axles 62 are configured to be connected to truck wheels 112 (i.e. wheels with tyres), for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to an installation site for cargo inspection or for transport of the structure, after dismantling of the inspection system, from a cargo inspection site to another cargo inspection site. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the boom module 4 has a retracted, transport configuration. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, in the retracted, transport configuration the boom rests on the resting frame 614. As shown in Figure 2A, the truck wheels 112 may stay in place on the wheel axles 62 when the support bars 91 are put in place. As shown in Figure 2B, the truck wheels are replaced by the train wheels 82 on the wheel axles 62 when the inspection system is put in place on the rails 81.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2C and 3C, the structure 1 is also configured to cooperate with other elements 7, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements 7, at least part of an inspection system comprising a trailer 10, such that the inspection system is of the mobile inspection system type configured to be able to be moveable between different inspection locations. Alternatively or additionally, the structure is also configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of an inspection system comprising a truck (not shown in the Figures).

[0065] As shown in Figure 2C, when the structure 1 is configured to form at least part of an inspection system of the mobile inspection system type, the wheel axles 62 are configured to be connected to truck wheels 112 such that the structure 1 is mobile on the ground to form a mobile configuration for cargo inspection in the scan mode of inspection. As already stated, the mobile inspection system type shown in Figure 2C may also be used for cargo inspection in the pass-through mode of inspection, such that the structure 1 of Figure 2C is also configured to remain static to form a pass-through configuration.

[0066] As shown in Figure 2C, the boom module 4 is also configured such that, in the deployed, inspection configuration, the articulated boom can be part of the mobile inspection system type.

[0067] The road mode of the mobile inspection system is also shown in Figure 3C. In the road mode, the wheel axles 62 are still connected to the truck wheels 112, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to a site for cargo inspection or for transport of the structure from a cargo inspection site to another cargo inspection site.

[0068] When the inspection system is configured to use the scan mode of inspection, the structure may comprise an automation module (not shown in the figures) configured to control movement of the structure with respect to the ground in the mobile configuration for cargo inspection. In non-limiting examples, the automation module may be located in the control module.

[0069] As shown in Figure 1 B, in some examples, the control module 5 is configured to house an operator of the inspection system. In some examples, the structure further comprises an operator room 51 , configured to house the operator of the inspection system during the inspection of the cargo.

[0070] Figure 4 schematically represents main steps of a method 100 of manufacturing a structure configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems including a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type and a mobile inspection system type. The inspection system may be an inspection according to any aspect of the disclosure and comprises a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation.

[0071] In Figure 4, the method 100 comprises: providing, at S1 , a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support the detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration; providing, at S2, a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and providing, at S3, a platform module comprising: a platform configured to support the generator, the boom module and the control module, and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be connected to either train wheels and / or truck wheels, wherein the platform module is configured to have a road mode wherein the wheel axles are configured to be connected to truck wheels, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to a cargo inspection site.

[0072] Figure 5 schematically represents main steps of a method 200 of manufacturing at least part of an inspection system comprising any of the gantry inspection system type, the mobile inspection system type, or the portal inspection type.

[0073] In Figure 5, the method 200 comprises: obtaining, at S10, the structure manufactured according to the method 100, and providing and connecting, at S20, truck wheels to the wheel axles, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to an installation site for cargo inspection, for transport between inspection sites, or for transport of the structure, after dismantling of the inspection system, from a cargo inspection site to another cargo inspection site. ln Figure 5, the method further comprises the optional step S30 of providing and setting support bars configured to contact the ground such that the structure is static to form a pass-through configuration for cargo inspection, after the inspection system has arrived at a desired inspection site, when the method 200 is performed for manufacturing at least part of an inspection system of the portal inspection type.

Claims

Claims1 . A structure configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems including a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type and a mobile inspection system type, each of the inspection systems comprising a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation, wherein the structure comprises: a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support the detectors of the inspection system and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration; a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and a platform module comprising: a platform configured to support the generator, the boom module and the control module, and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be connected to either train wheels and / or truck wheels, wherein the platform module is configured to have a road mode wherein the wheel axles are configured to be connected to truck wheels, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to a cargo inspection site, wherein the structure is further configured to have at least two configurations corresponding to respective modes of inspection, the at least two configurations of the structure comprising: a mobile configuration, in which the structure is mobile with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being static with respect to the ground, and a pass-through configuration, in which the structure is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

2. The structure of claim 1 , wherein the structure is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of an inspection system comprising any of the gantry inspection system type or the portalinspection type, and wherein, in the road mode, the platform module is further configured, for transport of the structure from the manufacture site of the structure to an installation site for the cargo inspection, or for transport of the structure, after dismantling of the inspection system, from the cargo inspection site to another cargo inspection site.

3. The structure of claim 2, wherein, when the structure is configured to form at least part of an inspection system of the gantry inspection system type, the wheel axles are configured to be connected to train wheels such that the structure is mounted on rails to form a mobile configuration for cargo inspection.

4. The structure of claim 2, wherein, when the structure is configured to form at least part of an inspection system of the portal inspection system type, the platform comprises support bars configured to contact the ground such that the structure is static to form a pass-through configuration for cargo inspection.

5. The structure of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the boom module is configured such that, in the deployed, inspection configuration, the articulated boom can be part of any of the gantry inspection system type or the portal inspection type.

6. The structure of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an automation module configured to control movement of the structure with respect to the ground in the mobile configuration for cargo inspection, optionally wherein the automation module is located in the control module.

7. The structure of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the structure is configured to cooperate with other elements, in order to form, once assembled with the other elements, at least part of an inspection system comprising a trailer or a truck, the wheel axles being connected to truck wheels, such that the inspection system is of the mobile inspection system type configured to be moveable from the manufacture site of the structure to the cargo inspection site for cargo inspection and further configured to be moveable between different inspection locations in the road mode.

8. The structure of claim 7, wherein the structure is further configured to be mobile on the ground to form a mobile configuration for cargo inspection in a scan mode of inspection, or wherein the structure is further configured to remain static with respect to the ground to form a pass-through configuration, corresponding to a pass-through mode of inspection.

9. The structure of claim 7 or 8, wherein the boom module is further configured such that, in the deployed, inspection configuration, the articulated boom can further be part of the mobile inspection system type.

10. The structure of any of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an automation module configured to control movement of the structure with respect to the ground in the mobile configuration for cargo inspection, optionally wherein the automation module is located in the control module.

11. The structure of any of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an operator room, configured to house an operator of the inspection system during the inspection of the cargo.

12. The structure of any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the control module is configured to house an operator of the inspection system.

13. A method of manufacturing a structure configured to form indifferently at least a part of any of at least three types of inspection systems including a portal inspection system type, a gantry inspection system type and a mobile inspection system type, each of the inspection systems comprising a generator of ionizing radiation and detectors of the ionizing radiation, wherein the method comprises: providing a boom module configured to form an articulated boom of the inspection system, the boom module being configured to support the detectors of the inspectionsystem and having a retracted, transport configuration, and a deployed, inspection configuration; providing a control module comprising means for controlling the generator and the detectors of the inspection system; and providing a platform module comprising: a platform configured to support the generator, the boom module and the control module, and a plurality of wheel axles configured to be connected to either train wheels and / or truck wheels, wherein the platform module is configured to have a road mode wherein the wheel axles are configured to be connected to truck wheels, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to a cargo inspection site, wherein the structure is further configured to have at least two configurations corresponding to respective modes of inspection, the at least two configurations of the structure comprising: a mobile configuration, in which the structure is mobile with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being static with respect to the ground, and a pass-through configuration, in which the structure is static with respect to the ground during the inspection of the cargo, the cargo being mobile with respect to the ground.

14. A method of manufacturing at least part of an inspection system comprising any of the gantry inspection system type, the mobile inspection system type, or the portal inspection type, wherein the method comprises: obtaining the structure manufactured according to claim 13, and providing and connecting truck wheels to the wheel axles, for transport of the structure from a manufacture site of the structure to an installation site for cargo inspection, for transport between inspection sites, or for transport of the structure, after dismantling of the inspection system, from a cargo inspection site to another cargo inspection site.

15. The method of claim 14, for manufacturing at least part of an inspection system of the portal inspection type, further comprising wherein the method comprises: providing and setting support bars configured to contact the ground such that the structure is static to form a pass-through configuration for cargo inspection, after the inspection system has arrived at a desired inspection site.

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