Backscatter X-Ray Detectability Analysis for Aircraft Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nondestructive inspection methods, such as radiographic imaging, face challenges in detecting objects within inaccessible areas of aircraft structures without disassembly, and lack the ability to provide a three-dimensional visual diagram for object detectability.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a backscatter x-ray system with a processor unit and databases to identify objects by determining their densities and generating a three-dimensional diagram of detectability, which includes a detector to form images and a processor to analyze photon reactions and identify chemical elements and atomic numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If traditional radiographic imaging is used to detect objects in inaccessible areas, then detection capability is improved, but disassembly of aircraft structure is required which increases inspection time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional transmission x-ray approach by using backscatter x-ray detection. Instead of detecting photons passing through the object, the system detects photons scattered back from the object. This allows detection from a single accessible side without requiring disassembly or access to both sides of the aircraft structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based detection analysis process that acts as an intermediary between the backscatter x-ray detector and the final interpretation. This process uses multiple databases (photon reaction results, object densities, chemical elements, atomic numbers) to analyze detected objects and determine their detectability, reducing the need for manual inspection and disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If backscatter x-ray system is used to inspect aircraft structures, then access to sealed areas is improved, but ability to identify object composition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional detection analysis process that not only detects the presence of objects but also identifies their composition. The system uses multiple databases containing photon reaction results, object densities, chemical elements, and atomic numbers to provide comprehensive object characterization from a single backscatter x-ray inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual inspection and physical analysis with an automated computer-based detection analysis process. The processor unit automatically compares detected photon reactions with database information to identify object composition, eliminating the need for manual sampling or physical examination of the object.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to identify objects, then detailed analysis is possible, but inspection productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection analysis process where the system automatically performs object identification and composition analysis without requiring manual intervention. The processor unit autonomously compares detected photon reactions with database information, generates detectability assessments, and provides results, thereby maintaining high accuracy while dramatically improving inspection productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detection analysis process continuously compares detected photon reactions with stored database information and refines object identification based on the comparison results. This feedback loop ensures accurate object characterization while maintaining automated high-speed operation.
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 the detection and identification of objects within aircraft structures without disassembly, providing a three-dimensional visual representation of detectability, thus expediting inspection and maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
Backscatter x-ray systems detect radiation, or photons, that come back from a target, rather than detecting transmission of photons through a target as with traditional x-ray machines. Backscatter x-ray systems form images based on how photons scatter when encountering an object.
Implementation Method 2
Photons generally interact with objects by either passing through an object, being absorbed by the object, or being scattered from the object. The greater the density of an object, the more photons are either blocked or absorbed rather than passing through.
Data Source
AI summary
The different advantageous embodiments provide a system for identifying a likelihood of detecting objects with a backscatter x-ray system comprising a structure having a number of objects, a plurality of databases, and a processor unit configured to execute a detection analysis process. The processor unit executes the detection analysis process to identify the number of objects, identify a number of densities associated with each of the number of objects, determine a likelihood of detecting each of the number of objects with the backscatter x-ray system, and generate a three-dimensional diagram of the likelihood of detecting each of the number of objects.