Integrated Backscatter X-Ray Assembly for Mobile 3D Aircraft Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray backscattering systems for inspecting composite structures in aircraft are bulky, require multiple units with separate cooling systems, result in significant X-ray loss, and are impractical for infield inspections, leading to time-consuming and costly manual measurements.
Innovation Solution
An integrated backscatter X-ray assembly with an enclosure housing the X-ray power supply, tube, and detector submerged in cooling fluid, allowing for a compact and efficient system that captures three-dimensional data for reconstruction, using a movable base and mobile platform for scanning in three axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional X-ray backscattering systems are used, then inspection capability is provided, but the systems are bulky and require multiple units with separate cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the X-ray tube, power supply, and detector into a single integrated assembly housed in one enclosure. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate units and their associated cooling systems, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining inspection capability through the unified design that houses all critical components together
2Reliability
If conventional X-ray backscattering systems are used, then inspection capability is provided, but significant X-ray loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses X-ray loss by positioning the detector to capture backscattered X-rays that would otherwise be lost. The system converts this harmful energy loss into useful inspection data by detecting the backscattered radiation, thereby maintaining inspection capability while reducing energy waste
3Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods are used, then gap thickness and subsurface issues can be detected, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous scanning of the article under test using the integrated assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurements. The system can continuously move along the article and capture data without interruption, significantly improving inspection speed while maintaining detection accuracy through consistent, uninterrupted data collection
4Reliability
If conventional systems are used, then inspection capability is provided, but infield inspections become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-contained integrated assembly with all necessary components (X-ray tube, power supply, detector, and cooling system) housed in a single enclosure. This unified design makes the system portable and suitable for infield inspections, as it can be easily moved and operated in various locations without requiring multiple separate units or complex infrastructure
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 high-speed, accurate detection of gap thickness, corrosion, and subsurface issues in aircraft structures, reducing inspection time and costs while providing practical infield capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the X-ray power supply, the X-ray tube and the backscatter X-ray detector during the projecting of the X-ray fan beam and the detecting of the backscatter X-rays using a cooling fluid disposed within the enclosure, the X-ray power supply, the X-ray tube and the backscatter X-ray detector being immersed in the cooling fluid
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray tube disposed within the enclosure and operatively coupled to the X-ray power supply
Implementation Method 3
a backscatter X-ray detector disposed within the enclosure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Integrated backscatter X-ray assemblies for detecting backscatter X-rays reflected by a target area of an article under test are disclosed. The integrated backscatter X-ray assembly includes an enclosure, an X-ray power supply, an X-ray tube, a backscatter X-ray detector and a cooling fluid. The X-ray power supply disposed within the enclosure. The X-ray tube disposed within the enclosure and operatively coupled to the X-ray power supply. The backscatter X-ray detector is disposed within the enclosure. The cooling fluid disposed within the enclosure such that the X-ray power supply, the X-ray tube and the backscatter X-ray detector are immersed in the cooling fluid. In various examples, integrated backscatter X-ray assemblies may also include a movable base and/or a mobile platform. Methods for detecting backscatter X-rays reflected by a target area of an article under test are also disclosed.