Darkroom Security Inspection Apparatus for Non-Destructive Chemical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional IMS-based security inspection technologies face inefficiencies in sampling and detection due to the need for destructive sampling and unpacking of items, limiting their application in rapid, on-site inspections of various sizes and types of goods.
Innovation Solution
A darkroom type security inspection apparatus incorporating a sampling assembly for non-destructive collection and conveyance of items, a sample processing assembly for concentration and analysis, and an inspecting assembly using gas chromatographic-ion mobility spectrometry, allowing for rapid and accurate detection without unpacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional IMS-based inspection methods are used, then detection sensitivity is achieved, but destructive sampling and unpacking are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary volatile chemical components from the baggage for analysis, rather than requiring physical unpacking or destruction of items. The sampling system draws out volatile substances through controlled airflow while items remain packaged, separating the detection function from the need to access contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a darkroom chamber as an intermediary environment between the external inspection area and the IMS detection system. This closed chamber allows volatile substance collection without direct contact with or unpacking of items, mediating the inspection process to maintain both sensitivity and convenience.
2Productivity
If rapid detection is implemented, then inspection speed increases, but sampling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary concentration of volatile substances in the darkroom chamber before IMS analysis. The sampling system pre-collects and concentrates chemical vapors in a controlled environment, ensuring sufficient sample quantity and quality is prepared in advance for rapid detection without compromising sampling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous sampling and concentration processes within the darkroom chamber, allowing uninterrupted collection of volatile substances. This continuous action ensures that detection can proceed rapidly without repeated sampling cycles, maintaining both speed and efficiency.
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 convenient, rapid, and accurate on-site sampling and detection of chemicals and volatile substances, enhancing detection efficiency and sensitivity for items like baggage, without the need for unpacking or destruction, suitable for customs and airport security.
Implementation Method 1
an inspecting assembly configured to inspect composition of the sample by means of a gas chromatographic-ion mobility spectrometer or a separated ion mobility spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
a sample processing assembly configured to concentrate and analyze the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses darkroom type security inspection apparatus and method. An apparatus comprises a housing constituting a closed darkroom, and assemblies disposed inside the housing. The assemblies disposed inside the housing are communicated by fittings or connectors and comprises: a sampling assembly comprising a sample collecting unit and a conveyer unit configured to convey an object to be inspected into the sample collecting unit; a sample processing assembly configured to concentrate and analyze the sample; and, an inspecting assembly configured to inspect composition of the sample by means of a gas chromatographic-ion mobility spectrometer (GC-IMS) or a separated ion mobility spectrometer (IMS). The security inspection apparatus of the present invention can perform the sampling easy, rapidly and effectively and perform the inspection accurately and rapidly without destroying and unpacking an object to be inspected, and thus is suitable for requirements of on-site rapid inspection of forbidden items in the airport, customs and the likes.