Autonomous Container Radiation Scanning Without Moving Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting cargo containers for radiation sources are inefficient and prone to false positives due to varying background radiation levels, and require physical movement of containers past stationary detectors, which is time-consuming and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned autonomous vehicle (UAS) equipped with radiation detectors and a server system that integrates data from both mobile and stationary detectors to create a continuous radiation map, allowing for precise identification and localization of radiation sources within containers, and performs targeted follow-up inspections as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If containers are passed through stationary radiation detectors, then radiation sources can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and requires physical movement of containers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving containers past stationary detectors, the patent inverts the approach by deploying mobile detectors (unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles) to move among stationary containers. This eliminates the need to disrupt logistical processes and move containers, while maintaining comprehensive radiation detection coverage through multiple approach angles and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically moving containers through detection zones with an automated mobile detection system. Unmanned vehicles equipped with radiation detectors autonomously navigate to containers, perform inspections, and return data, substituting container movement with detector movement and eliminating manual handling requirements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are deployed to improve detection accuracy, then false positives are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent mobile detector units (unmanned aerial vehicles, ground vehicles) that can operate autonomously. Each unit carries its own radiation detectors and navigation systems, allowing distributed detection across multiple containers simultaneously. This segmentation enables parallel operations and reduces the complexity burden on any single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile detector units are designed as multi-functional platforms that can detect radiation from various container types and positions, navigate autonomously, communicate with central systems, and adapt to different inspection scenarios. This universality allows a standardized platform to handle diverse detection requirements without requiring specialized complex systems for each case.
3Ease of operation
If containers are scanned without physical movement, then logistical processes are not disrupted, but detection efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous radiation detection by deploying mobile detectors that can operate around the clock without interrupting container handling operations. Detectors continuously monitor radiation levels as containers are loaded, transported, and stored, maintaining detection coverage throughout the entire logistical process rather than requiring separate inspection stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary radiation screening by deploying mobile detectors to approach and inspect containers before they enter main logistical flows or before loading onto transport vehicles. This preliminary detection identifies potential radiation sources early, allowing targeted follow-up inspections and preventing contaminated containers from entering the main supply chain.
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
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of radiation detection in cargo containers by minimizing false positives and reducing the need for physical movement, enabling rapid scanning of large volumes of containers without disrupting logistical processes.
Implementation Method 1
In Compton scattering, a gamma ray will collide with an electron and bounce off it.
Implementation Method 2
In photoelectric ionization, a gamma ray can push an electron to a higher energy level.
Implementation Method 3
As gamma-rays have so much energy, part of this energy can be transformed into matter directly by creating an electron and an anti-electron (or positron), a process known as pair production.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for scanning shipping containers, comprising an unmanned vehicle (102A), the unmanned vehicle includes a sensor (108), a processor (112), and a memory (114). The memory includes instructions for execution. The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the unmanned vehicle to move along faces of a shipping container, and record container data collected from the sensor while scanning the shipping container.