Remotely-aligned Arcuate Detector Array for X-ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray security inspection systems for cargo and shipping containers face challenges in achieving high inspection throughput and precise alignment of detector modules due to the labor-intensive and error-prone manual alignment process, especially in non-rectilinear geometries, which affects the sensitivity and resolution of high-energy x-ray imaging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a scanning system with arcuately aligned detector modules, a propulsion mechanism, and remotely activated alignment plates with actuators, allowing for precise positioning of detector elements relative to the x-ray beam using live beam feedback, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and optical alignment tools, and enabling alignment during installation and realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used for detector modules, then alignment can be performed with simple equipment, but alignment time is excessive and precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment tools (optical instruments, levels, surveyor's transits) with an automated feedback control system that uses ion chamber measurements to directly drive actuator adjustments. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to manually position detectors while the beam is off and provides continuous feedback during beam operation, achieving both higher precision and reduced time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-alignment through automated feedback control where the detector array itself participates in the alignment process by providing measurement data via ion chambers. The actuators automatically adjust detector positions based on feedback signals without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to correct its own alignment in real-time during beam operation.
2Ease of operation
If optical alignment tools are used, then alignment can be performed with line of sight, but the process requires covers to be removed exposing detectors to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical alignment tools that require line of sight and exposed detector surfaces with a radiation-based feedback system. Ion chambers measure beam position and provide feedback signals that guide actuator adjustments without requiring optical access or exposing detectors to environmental factors. The alignment process occurs with covers in place and detectors protected throughout.
3Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used, then equipment complexity is low, but alignment accuracy for non-rectilinear geometries is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where ion chambers continuously measure beam position relative to detector elements and generate feedback signals that drive actuator adjustments. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically compensates for geometric complexities and achieves high alignment accuracy for non-rectilinear geometries without requiring complex manual measurement and calculation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ion chambers as intermediary measurement devices that indirectly measure beam position by detecting radiation interactions. These intermediaries convert complex alignment measurements into simple feedback signals that drive actuator adjustments, simplifying the overall system while achieving high precision for complex geometries.
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
This approach significantly reduces alignment time and errors, enhances the sensitivity and resolution of x-ray imaging by ensuring precise detector alignment, even in non-rectilinear geometries, and allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the beam profile, resulting in higher quality images with reduced exposure to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
Since it is the nature of Bremsstrahlung that x-ray generation at the target is more sharply forward-peaked for higher energies
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of detector elements, each detector element having an associated ion chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanning system and methods for inspecting contents of a container. High-energy penetrating radiation collimated into a fan beam illuminates an inspected container from one side, while a plurality of detector plates are disposed on the opposite side of the container. Each detector plate has a plurality of detector modules, each of which, in turn, is disposed on a remotely activated alignment and has multiple detector elements. A controller governs the orientation of each of the plurality of detector plates based at least on the detector signal generated by its detector elements such that each detector element of each detector module of each detector plate may be aligned to within a specified fraction of the transverse dimension of the fan beam as measured at the exit slot.