Molded Composite X-ray CT Test Article
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ANSI standard for evaluating image quality of X-ray computed tomography (CT) security-screening systems faces challenges due to the use of a polypropylene Pelican case, which attenuates x-ray beams, is heavy, and lacks suitable replacements, leading to issues with image quality evaluation and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A novel test article system comprising a molded composite material with a hollow core structure and reinforcement, designed to minimize x-ray attenuation, reduce weight, and enhance durability, while supporting various test objects to assess image quality metrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polypropylene Pelican case is used to hold test objects, then the case provides protective enclosure, but it attenuates x-ray beams and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polypropylene to molded composite material, which has different x-ray attenuation characteristics. The composite material allows x-ray beams to pass through with minimal attenuation while maintaining protective enclosure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs molded composite material with hollow core structure and reinforcement, combining multiple materials to achieve optimal properties: the composite structure provides protection while allowing x-ray transmission, resolving the contradiction between protective enclosure and x-ray beam attenuation.
2Reliability
If a polypropylene Pelican case is used, then the case provides protective enclosure, but it increases the overall weight of the test article
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from polypropylene to molded composite material, which has a more favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The composite material with hollow core structure reduces weight while maintaining protective enclosure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molded composite material with hollow core structure, which incorporates air pockets or voids within the material. This porous structure reduces the overall density and weight of the protective enclosure while maintaining sufficient strength and protection.
3Device complexity
If traditional test article structures are used, then simple construction is achieved, but structural integrity and robustness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs molded composite material with hollow core structure and reinforcement, combining multiple materials to achieve optimal properties: the composite structure provides enhanced strength and structural integrity while maintaining relative construction simplicity through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the test article into modular components including exterior shell assembly, base assembly, and support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength while simplifying assembly and manufacturing through standardized interfaces.
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 new test article system provides improved image quality evaluation by reducing x-ray beam attenuation, increasing robustness, and maintaining the structural integrity necessary for accurate and repeatable image assessments.
Implementation Method 1
The new test article system provides improved image quality evaluation by reducing x-ray beam attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
A test article containing test objects for assessing and evaluating an image producing x-ray computed tomography system, includes: an exterior shell assembly surrounding an inner volume; a base assembly comprising a flat base portion; a support structure comprising one or more partitions configured to support the test objects, a pair of component supports configured to support an angled bar test object, and one or more brackets configured to attach to at least one of: a partition and the flat base portion; an object length test object connected to the one or more partitions; an angled bar test object connected to the pair of component supports; an NEQ test object comprising a support extension with a threaded attachment configured to connect to a threaded attachment on another test object; and an acetal cylinder test object comprising two threaded mounting extensions and configured to support at least one metal annular device.