Elongate Object CT Scanner Using Stationary X-Ray Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tomography scanners are too slow and costly to meet the high productivity demands of industrial environments, particularly when scanning elongate objects like wooden boards, as they require significant upgrades in size and weight, making them economically unsustainable.
Innovation Solution
A computed tomography scan apparatus that moves elongate objects forward with their main axis transverse to the movement direction, using multiple stationary X-ray sources emitting divergent beams to irradiate axial portions of the object, and a rotating mechanism to ensure comprehensive scanning without the need for large, heavy gantries, allowing for efficient scanning of large objects like wooden boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary gantry system is used for tomography scanning, then comprehensive internal inspection is achieved, but the scanning speed is too slow for industrial productivity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning process by using multiple stationary X-ray sources positioned at different locations along the conveyor path. Each source captures a portion of the object, and the data from multiple sources is combined to reconstruct the complete three-dimensional image, eliminating the need for a single large rotary gantry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single rotating source in one dimension to multiple stationary sources distributed along the conveyor path in another dimension. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous acquisition of data from multiple angles while maintaining high conveyor speeds
2Productivity
If the conveyor speed is increased to meet productivity demands, then scanning speed improves, but the system becomes too complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the X-ray source around the object (rotary gantry), the patent inverts the approach by keeping multiple sources stationary and moving the object through them on a conveyor. This simplifies the mechanical system while achieving the same scanning objective
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary X-ray sources and detectors serve multiple functions: each source-detector pair captures data from a specific angle, and collectively they perform the complete tomography scan. This multi-functional arrangement eliminates the need for complex rotary mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If multiple X-ray sources are used to scan elongate objects, then scanning coverage is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning task among multiple stationary X-ray sources, each responsible for capturing data from a specific angular position. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, smaller X-ray tubes rather than one large complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of the same basic X-ray source and detector unit arranged at different positions. Each unit is identical and performs the same function from its specific location, simplifying design and maintenance while achieving comprehensive coverage
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 approach enables high-productivity tomography scanning of elongate objects at costs comparable to existing systems, overcoming the limitations of speed and size constraints, while maintaining the advantages of tomography in assessing internal characteristics like knot position and fibre direction.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of X-ray emitters 9 and an X-ray detecting device 10 which are stationary relative to the conveyor 5 and positioned on opposite sides of the forward movement plane 6
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~10
AI summary
Apparatus and method for performing computed tomography scans of elongate objects (1), wherein the object (1) is irradiated with X-rays emitted by a plurality of X-ray emitters (9) which are offset relative to a forward movement direction (2) transversal to the main axis of the object, wherein a rotation device (15) is configured for rotating each object (1) on itself about its own main axis of extension (3) while the object (1) is irradiated by one or more beams (11) of X-rays, wherein electronic identifying means estimate the instantaneous position and orientation of the axial portions (4) of the object (1) which are irradiated by the beams (11) of X-rays during the rotation, and wherein an electronic processing and control unit is programmed for combining sets of radiographic data acquired for each axial portion (4) of the object (1) at different detecting moments during the rotation, for processing a three-dimensional tomography reconstruction of the object (1) while taking into account corresponding information about the position and the orientation of each axial portion (4) at each moment.