Capacitive Shoe Scanner for Substance Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection methods for unauthorized substances in protected areas, such as stores or public spaces, fail to accurately identify the nature of liquid or solid substances and are ineffective in detecting substances concealed in shoes due to exposure concerns and limitations in X-ray technology.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support base for a single foot, transmitting/receiving electromagnetic fields at multiple frequencies to measure the complex impedance of the shoe and its contents, providing information on the substance's nature through precise positioning and impedance analysis, while avoiding ionizing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray devices are used to detect substances in shoes, then detection capability is improved, but individuals are exposed to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray electromagnetic radiation system with a capacitive sensing system that uses electrical fields and impedance measurement. The detection means measure complex impedance of the shoe and its contents without using ionizing radiation, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from X-ray absorption to complex impedance measurement. By measuring impedance at multiple frequencies and analyzing dielectric characteristics, the system identifies substances in shoes without the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, resolving the contradiction between reliable detection and radiation safety.
2Loss of information
If X-ray examination is used to classify materials, then organic and inorganic materials can be distinguished, but the nature of specific liquid or solid substances cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures complex impedance across multiple frequencies to capture dielectric characteristics of substances. By analyzing frequency-dependent impedance behavior, the system identifies specific liquid and solid substances (such as narcotics or explosives) rather than just broad material categories, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining complete material classification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multi-frequency impedance measurements to iteratively refine substance identification. The detection means analyze impedance variations across frequencies and provide feedback to the processing unit, which compares measurements against reference values to precisely identify the nature of substances in shoes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual palpation or visual control is used to check shoes, then no ionizing radiation is involved, but the area of the human body is difficult to control effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual palpation and visual inspection with automated capacitive sensing. The detection means positioned under the support base measure impedance through the shoe sole, providing reliable automated detection of substances in shoes without requiring physical contact or visual inspection, thereby improving reliability while avoiding radiation.
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 reliability of detecting unauthorized substances by accurately identifying the nature of contents in shoes without exposing individuals to ionizing radiation, ensuring secure and efficient screening processes.
Implementation Method 1
means for transmitting/receiving an electromagnetic field at at least several frequencies included in a determined frequency range for the detection of a target liquid or solid substance
Implementation Method 2
means capable of measuring the complex impedance of the transmitting means/receivers influenced by the load constituted by the shoe and its contents, representative of the complex dielectric characteristics of the shoe and its contents
Implementation Method 3
positioning reference means, on the support base, capable of imposing precise positioning of the foot covered with its shoe with respect to the transmitting/receiving means
Implementation Method 4
the device further comprises means for detecting ionizing or radioactive radiation, to provide information related to the presence or the absence of a product emitting ionizing or radioactive radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The device has a step shaped mounting base (100) to receive a single foot, covered with shoe, of an individual to be controlled. Two symmetrical lateral panels (200) detecting a target material are connected to the mounting base. A positioning impression (400) is drawn or engraved on an upper plane (102) of the base to impose a precise positioning of the foot of the individual with respect to the panels.