Dual-Channel X-Ray Fluoroscopy System Using Single Electron Accelerator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current large cargo inspection systems using Cobalt-60 as a radioactive source face limitations due to low energy X-rays, limited penetration, short half-life, and safety management challenges, while systems employing high-energy X-ray sources with single inspection channels suffer from slow inspection speeds and low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual-channel high-energy X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system utilizing a single electron accelerator to generate two X-ray beams through collimators for simultaneous imaging in multiple channels, offering improved speed, safety, and image quality, with the ability to extract multiple X-ray beams for dual-view-angle and dual-energy functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inspection channel system is used with high-energy X-ray source, then the system structure is simple, but the inspection speed is slow and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single X-ray beam into multiple beams using beam-splitting devices and collimators, creating multiple inspection channels from one electron accelerator. This segmentation allows parallel inspection of multiple objects or multiple views of the same object, significantly improving inspection speed and efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure based on a single accelerator source.
2Reliability
If Cobalt-60 radioactive source is used, then the system has inherent stability, but the penetration energy is limited and safety management is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive Cobalt-60 source with an electron accelerator that generates X-rays through electromagnetic acceleration. This substitution eliminates the inherent radioactivity and safety management issues associated with Cobalt-60, while providing controllable X-ray generation only when power is supplied. The electron accelerator offers on-demand X-ray production without the continuous radiation hazard of radioactive isotopes.
3Productivity
If multiple X-ray beams are extracted for dual-channel inspection, then the inspection efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single electron accelerator that serves multiple functions by generating multiple X-ray beams through beam-splitting optics and collimators. This multi-functional approach allows one accelerator to provide X-rays for multiple inspection channels or multiple viewing angles, improving inspection efficiency while avoiding the need for multiple separate accelerators, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If high-energy X-ray is used for large cargo inspection, then the penetration capability is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam-splitting devices, collimators, and detector systems into an integrated dual-channel inspection system that shares a common electron accelerator. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high penetration capability for large cargo inspection while reducing overall costs by avoiding duplication of the expensive accelerator component, thereby providing high-energy X-ray inspection in multiple channels with improved cost-effectiveness.
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 system enables fast and efficient inspection of multiple channels with high image quality, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and improved material recognition capabilities, replacing Cobalt-60 with a more reliable electron accelerator source.
Implementation Method 1
generating an electron beam using an electron gun, accelerating the electron beam to obtain high energy using an electric field, and generating X-ray by using the high-energy electron beam to bombard a target
Implementation Method 2
The collimators are respectively disposed on both sides of the axis of the electron beam, and extract planar fan-shaped first and second X-ray beams from the electron beam respectively
Implementation Method 3
When X-ray penetrates an object to be inspected (a subject), the intensity of X-ray weakens, and the extent of weakening is related to the density, the shape, the thickness, the material of the subject and etc. The intensity information of the X-ray after passing through the subject is acquired by using a detector
Data Source
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Figure 5(A)~5(E)
AI summary
The present invention may perform fluoroscopic imaging simultaneously on the subjects in at least two channels using only one electron accelerator, at least two sets of X-ray beams and at least two sets of detector systems, through the design of the electron accelerator, the shielding and collimating device, the at least two detector arrays and various mechanical composite structures. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system according to the present invention may be designed in specific forms of a stationary type, an assembled type, a track mobile type or vehicular mobile type, etc., and has advantages such as simple structure, low cost, strong function, good image quality and the like.