High-Energy Cargo CT Imaging with Helical Object Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray inspection systems are inadequate for fully characterizing large, densely packed objects such as Unit Load Devices (ULDs) and palletized freight due to insufficient penetration capabilities of conventional X-ray sources, especially when dealing with high-density materials, and require complex and costly solutions to achieve 3D imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a high-energy X-ray source and a horizontal detector array, combined with a platform that rotates and translates vertically, allowing objects to move in a helical trajectory to generate a 3D scan image without moving the inspection hardware, using a computing device to acquire and reconstruct the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-energy X-ray sources (6 MeV range) are used to penetrate dense cargo and large aviation packages, then penetration capability and detection capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the X-ray source and detector assemblies as in conventional CT systems, this invention inverts the approach by keeping the source and detector stationary and rotating the object under inspection. The object is mounted on a turntable that rotates 360 degrees, allowing the fixed source-detector pair to capture projections from all angles. This inversion eliminates the mechanical complexity of rotating heavy high-energy components while achieving the same multi-angle sampling needed for 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary source-detector configuration serves multiple functions: it provides consistent high-energy X-ray penetration throughout the scan, simplifies shielding requirements, and enables the use of a robust turntable mechanism that can handle various object sizes and weights. The same fixed source-detector pair is used for all angular positions, eliminating the need for multiple rotating assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual X-ray sources are used in static CT imaging devices to achieve 3D imaging, then 3D imaging capability is provided, but the system becomes unwieldy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
This invention merges the functions of multiple X-ray sources into a single high-energy source. By using one powerful source that can penetrate dense materials at 6 MeV, the system eliminates the need for multiple lower-energy sources arranged in different positions. The single source, combined with the rotating object, provides the same information that would require multiple stationary sources, significantly simplifying the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more sources in different spatial positions (adding complexity in three dimensions), this invention introduces temporal dimension through rotation. A single source captures data at different angles as the object rotates, converting a spatial problem (multiple sources needed simultaneously) into a temporal problem (one source used sequentially at different angles), thereby reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If X-ray sources and detector assemblies are rotated at high speed to achieve CT imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but the approach does not scale well to high-energy sources
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional CT approach by keeping the source-detector assembly stationary and rotating the object instead. This inversion makes the system scalable to high-energy sources because the heavy, high-power X-ray tube and detector array remain fixed on a stable platform, while only the lighter object (on a turntable) needs to rotate. This eliminates the mechanical constraints that prevent high-speed rotation of heavy high-energy components.
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 effective 3D imaging of large, densely packed objects with high-energy X-rays, providing complete inspection and reducing the need for multiple X-ray source and detector configurations, thus improving throughput and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a source of X-ray radiation; cause the source to fire a substantially horizontal fan beam of X-rays
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a LINAC or Betatron source
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a LINAC or Betatron source
Implementation Method 4
a horizontal array of detectors, wherein the source and the array of detectors are positioned substantially on a first plane; acquire scan data of the object
Implementation Method 5
move an object vertically in a helical trajectory past a horizontal fan beam of X-rays
Implementation Method 6
CT (Computed Tomography) imaging technologies; use the calibration and scan data to generate a three dimensional scan image of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inspecting an object, includes: a source of X-ray radiation; a horizontal array of detectors, wherein the source and the array of detectors are positioned substantially on a first plane; a platform configured to rotate as well as translate in a vertical trajectory, wherein the platform is positioned on a second plane between the source and the array of detectors, and wherein the object is disposed on the platform; and a computing device configured to: cause the source to fire a substantially horizontal fan beam in a third plane, wherein the third plane is above a top of the object; acquire calibration data from the array of detectors while the third plane is above the top of the object; cause the platform to simultaneously rotate and raise the object vertically upwards; acquire scan data of the object; and generate a three dimensional scan image of the object.