CT Baggage Scanner Detector Axial Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CT security inspection systems for baggage face challenges in achieving rapid scanning speeds while maintaining a compact size, due to the arrangement of detector units which affects the apparatus' width and data acquisition timing.

Innovation Solution

A novel detector arrangement where detector units are positioned in the axial direction of the scanning passage, with each unit's crystal receiving face aligned normal to the X-ray source, allowing for integrated manufacturing and synchronized data acquisition, reducing the apparatus' width and enhancing scanning efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If detector units are arranged in a circle centered at the X-ray source target, then data acquisition is simplified and processing algorithms are easier, but the apparatus width increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing complexityVSAvoidapparatus width

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional circular arrangement of detector units (in the transverse plane) to an axial arrangement where detector units are positioned along the scanning passage axis. This dimensional change allows the detector units to be distributed in the axial direction rather than radially, thereby reducing the apparatus width while maintaining adequate detection coverage through the X-ray beam path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector system is divided into multiple detector units arranged sequentially along the axial direction, with each unit containing detector crystals positioned to receive X-ray beams at specific angles. This segmentation allows for a more compact transverse footprint while distributing detection elements along the length of the scanning passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of stationary object

If detector units are manufactured in separate parts to reduce apparatus width, then the width is reduced, but data acquisition timing and control become desynchronized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus widthVSAvoiddata acquisition synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple detector units into a single unified assembly that is manufactured and positioned as one coherent structure. This merging of detector units ensures that all detectors within each unit share the same reference timing and control signals, maintaining synchronization while achieving reduced apparatus width through the axial arrangement configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If detector crystal receiving faces are not aligned normal to the X-ray source, then manufacturing is easier, but data acquisition sensitivity decreases and edge scattering impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector alignmentVSAvoiddata acquisition sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions each detector unit with its crystal receiving face specifically oriented to be substantially normal to the incoming X-ray beams from the source. This local optimization of each detector unit's orientation ensures maximum sensitivity and minimal edge scattering effects, while the overall axial arrangement maintains manufacturing feasibility through standardized positioning fixtures and modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enables rapid scanning with a miniature size, improving data acquisition sensitivity and reducing the impact of edge scattering, resulting in increased scanning speed and precision.

Implementation Method 1

In the computer tomography scanning technology (hereafter referred to as 'CT technology') based on X-ray radiation imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of detector units are mounted on a gantry provided at an opposite side of the scanning passage. In each of the detector units, a vertex point of at least one crystal receiving face is positioned in a detector unit distribution circle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9864091B2CT security inspection system for baggage and detector arrangement thereof

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 NUCTECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention discloses a CT security inspection system for baggage. The CT security inspection system comprises a scanning passage through which a baggage enters and exits the CT security inspection system for baggage, an X-ray source provided at one side of the scanning passage, and, a gantry provided at an opposite side of the scanning passage, and on which a plurality of detector units are mounted. In each of the detector units, a vertex point of at least one detector unit is positioned in a detector unit distribution circle with its center at a center of the scanning passage, and the detector units are arranged successively. All the detector crystal receiving faces of the plurality of detector units are within a scope of radiating ray beams with their center at the target of the X-ray source. In each of the detector units, a connection line between a midpoint of at least one of the detector crystal receiving faces and the target of the X-ray source is normal to the corresponding detector crystal receiving face.