Dynamic Energy Shields for Scanning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation-based scanning systems face challenges in minimizing radiation exposure to people, reducing jamming risks, and preventing item loss during the scanning process due to conventional energy shields contacting and displacing objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dynamic shielding system with independently movable energy shields and shade curtains, controlled by a system that synchronizes their movement with the advancement of objects through the scanning system, ensuring minimal contact and maintaining an unobstructed pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fixed energy shields are used to block radiation, then radiation exposure is reduced, but objects may contact the shields and be displaced causing jamming or item loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming fixed energy shields into movable shields that can dynamically adjust their position. The shields are capable of moving between a first position (blocking radiation pathway) and a second position (clearing pathway), allowing them to adapt to the presence of objects and eliminate the contradiction between radiation blocking and preventing object displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automatic detection and response mechanisms. Sensors detect objects approaching the shielding system, and the control system automatically moves the shields to appropriate positions without human intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in managing both radiation protection and object safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fixed shielding is used to protect against radiation scatter, then radiation safety is improved, but the scanning system may jam or slow down due to object-shield contact
Solution Approach 1:
The movable shielding system dynamically adjusts its configuration based on real-time object detection, allowing continuous operation at optimal scanning speeds. The shields move quickly between positions to maintain radiation protection while clearing the pathway for objects, preventing delays and maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting objects before they reach the shielding zone and pre-positioning the shields to appropriate states. This proactive approach prevents contact and potential jamming before they can occur, maintaining scanning throughput.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy shields are positioned to block radiation pathways, then radiation protection is enhanced, but objects may be displaced or lost during contact
Solution Approach 1:
The automated detection and response system monitors the environment and automatically adjusts shield positions to prevent object displacement. The system serves itself by detecting potential risks and taking corrective action, ensuring object safety without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting objects in advance and moving shields to protective positions before contact can occur. This preemptive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of object-shield contact and item displacement before it can happen.
4Reliability
If movable shields are implemented to reduce object contact, then jamming risk is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding system is segmented into multiple independently controllable movable shields rather than a single fixed structure. This segmentation allows each shield to be controlled individually based on local conditions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability through distributed intelligence.
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 solution reduces radiation exposure, minimizes the risk of jamming, and prevents item loss by dynamically adjusting the position of energy shields and shade curtains, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
shielding may be provided to reduce the risk that people and animals in the vicinity of the scanning system will be exposed to radiation produced during scanning
Data Source
AI summary
Scanning systems may include a stator, a rotor supporting at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector rotatable with the rotor, and a motivator operatively connected to the rotor. The stator, the rotor, the at least one radiation source, and the at least one radiation detector may be located within a housing. A conveyor system may extend through the housing and the rotor. A shielding system including a series of independently movable energy shields sized, shaped, and positioned to at least partially occlude a pathway along which the conveyor system extends may extend from an entrance to the housing, through the rotor, to an exit from the housing. A control system may be configured to cause the shielding system to automatically and dynamically move individual energy shields in response to advancement of one or more objects supported on the conveyor system.