Adjustable Multifacet X-Ray Sensor Array for Non-Flat Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray inspection systems face challenges in efficiently detecting x-rays from non-flat structures due to limitations in sensor array configuration, leading to issues like low resolution, pin-cushioning, shadowing, and aberration, and are not adaptable to various geometries, restricting their application range and increasing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A system with a multifacet x-ray sensor array that can be reshaped to match the target structure's geometry, using adjustable couplers and TES sensors with scintillator layers, allowing for efficient detection of backscattered x-rays and improved resolution, contrast, and reduced system size, weight, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed-geometry x-ray sensor array is used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection resolution and imaging quality deteriorate when inspecting non-flat structures
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray sensor array is divided into multiple independently adjustable sensor elements that can be individually positioned and oriented. Each sensor element acts as an independent unit that can be adjusted to face different directions, allowing the array to be configured to match the geometry of the target structure being inspected.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array transitions from a fixed geometry to a dynamic, adjustable configuration where sensor elements can be repositioned and reoriented during operation. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different target geometries, improving detection resolution for non-flat structures without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-geometry x-ray sensor array is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the system cannot adapt to various geometries, reducing application range
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple independently adjustable units that can be manufactured using standard processes and then assembled with adjustable coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components while enabling complex overall configurations through standardized adjustment interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable coupling mechanisms and sensor elements are designed with universal interfaces that allow the same basic components to be configured for multiple different geometries and inspection applications. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without requiring entirely different sensor arrays for each application type.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed-geometry x-ray sensor array is used, then the system size is small, but energy consumption increases due to inefficient detection of backscattered x-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array dynamically adjusts its geometry to optimize detection efficiency for the specific target being inspected. By repositioning sensor elements to face the appropriate directions, the system maximizes the collection of backscattered x-rays, improving detection efficiency and reducing the total energy required for inspection compared to fixed-geometry systems that must operate suboptimally across different configurations.
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 higher resolution and contrast imaging with reduced energy consumption, broader application range, and decreased system size and cost, while efficiently detecting x-rays from complex structures.
Implementation Method 1
TES sensors with scintillator layers
Implementation Method 2
TES sensors with scintillator layers
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system (10) for x-ray inspection. The system (10) comprises an x-ray emitter (12). The system (10) also comprises an x-ray sensor array (26) comprising a first x-ray sensor (27), a second x-ray sensor (28) adjacent the first x-ray sensor (27), and a coupler (302/304) movably coupling the first x-ray sensor (27) to the second x-ray sensor (28). The first x-ray sensor (27) is movable into a plurality of orientations relative to the second x-ray sensor (28) via the coupler (302/304). The system (10) further comprises an imaging device (40) to generate an inspection image based on information from the x-ray sensor array (26).