Back-Scatter Imaging Shield Segmentation for Uniform Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing back-scatter imaging systems face challenges with non-uniform scanning, complex device construction, high manufacturing costs, and rotational inertia issues due to the need for precise machining of rotatable shield bodies with spiral slits, which complicates the scanning process and affects image quality.

Innovation Solution

A scanning device with a fixed shield plate and a rotatable shield body, where the fixed plate has a rectilinear slit and the rotatable body has a series of small discrete holes along a spiral line, allowing for controlled collimated holes and reduced weight through a nested sleeve structure, simplifying the scanning mechanism and improving machinability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a rotatable shield body with a spiral slit is used to perform scanning, then the collimated hole shape can be controlled, but the manufacturing precision requirement becomes extremely high and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollimated hole shapeVSAvoidspiral slit machining precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shield body into multiple independent segments (first shield body, second shield body, third shield body) instead of using a single complex rotatable shield with spiral slit. Each segment contains simple circular collimating holes that can be manufactured independently with standard precision, eliminating the need for high-precision spiral slit machining while maintaining controlled collimated hole shapes through the geometric arrangement of multiple segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a rotatable shield body is used for scanning, then the scanning function is achieved, but the weight and rotational inertia increase, affecting scanning speed and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning functionVSAvoidrotatable shield body weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scanning function across multiple stationary or lightly movable shield bodies instead of requiring one heavy rotatable shield. The first shield body remains stationary, while the second and third shield bodies can be independently positioned, distributing the mass and reducing rotational inertia requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a purely rotational scanning mechanism to a more dynamic system where multiple shield bodies can be independently positioned and adjusted. This allows for flexible scanning patterns without requiring a single heavy component to rotate, reducing overall moving mass and inertia.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed shield plate with rectilinear slit and rotatable shield body with spiral slit are both used, then the shielding effect is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation shieldingVSAvoidshield structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the shielding function into multiple independent shield segments (first, second, and third shield bodies) with simple circular holes. Each segment provides partial shielding, and their combined geometric arrangement achieves the required radiation protection without requiring complex spiral slits or intricate integrated shield designs, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Speed

If the scanning spot is accelerated at both leading and trailing ends during scanning, then the scanning speed varies, but the image suffers from longitudinal compressive deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidimage geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic control system that adjusts the scanning speed of the radiation beam based on its position. The control device slows down the scanning speed when the beam approaches the leading or trailing ends of the scanning range and maintains higher speed in the middle region. This variable speed control compensates for the geometric deformation that would otherwise occur, preserving the longitudinal dimensions and shape fidelity of the generated image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides a uniform flying spot, reduces longitudinal compressive deformation, simplifies the scanning structure, and enhances shielding, resulting in improved image quality and reduced manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex spiral slit machining.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source; a fixed shield plate and a rotatable shield body respectively disposed between the radiation source and a object to be scanned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-Ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

the principle of the back-scatter imaging is that the object is scanned by a radiation beam, and at the same time scattering signals scattered from the object to be scanned are received by a detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2573551B1X-ray device and method for back-scatter imaging
Publication Date: 2019.11.13 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2573551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2573551B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2573551B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a scanning device of back-scatter imaging with a radiation beam, comprising: a radiation source; a fixed shield plate and a rotatable shield body disposed between the radiation source and a object to be scanned respectively, wherein the fixed shield plate is stationary with respect to the radiation source and the rotatable shield body is rotatable with respect to the fixed shield plate. The fixed shield plate is provided with a ray passing-through region thereon, which allows for a radiation beam from the radiation source to pass through the fixed shield plate, a ray incidence region and a ray emergence region are arranged on the rotatable shield body respectively, during the rotatable scanning of the rotatable shield body, the ray passing-through region of the fixed shield plate continuously intersects with the ray incidence region and the ray emergence region of the rotatable shield body to generate collimated holes for scanning. The ray passing-through region of the fixed shield plate is a rectilinear slit, the rotatable shield body is a cylinder, and the ray incidence and emergence regions are configured to be a series of small discrete holes disposed along a spiral line respectively. In addition, the present invention discloses a scanning method for back-scatter imaging with a radiation beam.