Below-Ground CT Cargo Inspection for High-Penetration Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo inspection systems face challenges in efficiently scanning consolidated air cargo containers and skids due to large space and shielding requirements, limited penetration, and low throughput, making them costly and impractical for high-traffic environments.
Innovation Solution
A below-ground computed tomography (CT) scanning system with a compact high-energy X-ray source and detector array, utilizing underground shielding to minimize footprint and cost, and employing helical scanning and dual-energy imaging to enhance penetration and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-energy X-ray sources are used to penetrate dense container contents, then penetration capability is improved, but shielding requirements and system footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the imaging system underground rather than above ground. This allows the use of high-energy X-ray sources (up to 10 MeV) for penetrating dense cargo containers while the surrounding earth provides natural shielding, eliminating the need for large above-ground shielded rooms and reducing system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high-energy radiation into a beneficial tool for cargo inspection. By using high-energy X-rays that can penetrate dense containers and placing the system underground where the earth absorbs scattered radiation, the system achieves both penetration capability and reduced shielding requirements through the beneficial use of ground absorption.
2Reliability
If high-energy X-ray sources are used to penetrate dense container contents, then penetration capability is improved, but shielding cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the imaging system underground rather than above ground. This allows the use of high-energy X-ray sources (up to 10 MeV) for penetrating dense cargo containers while the surrounding earth provides natural shielding, eliminating the need for large above-ground shielded rooms and reducing system footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing the surrounding earth as the shielding material. The ground naturally absorbs scattered radiation, eliminating the need for expensive artificial shielding structures and reducing both capital costs and operational expenses.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional x-ray scanners are used for consolidated cargo, then system cost is reduced, but image quality and information sufficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the X-ray source to high energies (up to 10 MeV), enabling penetration of consolidated cargo containers while maintaining cost-effectiveness through underground placement. This energy parameter change allows for high-resolution 3D imaging of dense cargo that conventional low-energy scanners cannot penetrate.
4Area of stationary object
If system size is reduced for compact installation, then ease of deployment is improved, but penetration capability of dense cargo deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the imaging system underground rather than above ground. This allows the use of high-energy X-ray sources (up to 10 MeV) for penetrating dense cargo containers while the surrounding earth provides natural shielding, eliminating the need for large above-ground shielded rooms and reducing system footprint.
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 system provides high-resolution 3-D imaging with reduced shielding needs, enabling efficient detection of contraband in cargo containers while maintaining a compact size and high throughput, suitable for airport cargo processing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one X-ray source fixedly positioned with respect to the frame, the at least one X-ray source configured to emit radiation that is attenuated by the object as the platform translates and the stage rotates
Implementation Method 2
at least one X-ray detector fixedly positioned with respect to the frame, the at least one X-ray detector configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and to generate a signal representative of the transmitted radiation
Implementation Method 3
an imaging assembly including a frame positioned within an underground chamber below a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are a computed tomography scanning system for inspecting an object and methods incorporating the same. The system includes an imaging assembly including a frame positioned within an underground chamber below a ground surface, a platform coupled to and translatable with respect to the frame, and a stage coupled to and rotatable with respect to the platform. The platform is translatable to raise the object above the ground surface and lower the object below the ground surface when the object is on the stage. The imaging assembly also includes an X-ray source fixed with respect to the frame and configured to emit radiation that is attenuated by the object as the platform translates and the stage rotates, and an X-ray detector fixed with respect to the frame, the X-ray detector configured to detect the radiation transmitted through the object and generate a signal representative of the transmitted radiation.