Flexible Collimator Assembly for Ray Inspection Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ray inspection devices require labor-intensive, time-consuming alignment adjustments due to vibration and movement during detection processes, reducing detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A collimating device with a beam guiding cylinder and adjustable components, including retractable adjusting rods and fixing plates, allows for simplified alignment by adjusting the inlet end of the beam guiding cylinder to align collimators and detectors, minimizing the need for repeated adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stepwise alignment adjustment is performed using laser pen and radiation dose, then collimators and detectors can be aligned, but the process consumes excessive time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-adjusted collimators that come with built-in alignment features (laser pointers, alignment marks) already configured during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for time-consuming stepwise alignment adjustments during installation, as the collimators are pre-aligned to work with the detector geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment mechanism consisting of laser pointers and alignment marks that serve as mediators between the collimators and detectors. These intermediaries provide visual guidance for rapid alignment without requiring complex iterative adjustments using radiation dose measurements.
2Measurement precision
If alignment adjustment is performed repeatedly after detection process, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but detection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the collimators adjustable and repositionable during operation. The collimators can be dynamically adjusted to compensate for vibrations or movements that occur during detection, maintaining alignment accuracy without requiring complete realignment after each detection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through alignment maintenance features where the system can perform minor alignment corrections automatically or with minimal intervention. The built-in alignment marks and laser pointers enable operators to quickly verify and adjust alignment if needed, reducing the frequency and extent of post-detection realignment operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple collimators are used for beam collimation, then beam direction control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating multiple collimator functions into a unified collimator assembly. The collimators are positioned and configured to work together as a single integrated unit with shared alignment references, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate, independently-aligned collimator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different collimator configurations for different regions of the beam path. Each collimator can be optimized for its specific location and function, with alignment features tailored to local geometric requirements, simplifying the overall arrangement by avoiding a uniform complex configuration throughout.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a collimating device and a ray inspection device. The collimating device comprises: a beam guiding cylinder, a first collimator mounted at an inlet end of the beam guiding cylinder; a second collimator mounted an outlet end of the beam guiding cylinder; a beam guiding cylinder adjusting device disposed adjacent to the inlet of the beam guiding cylinder to adjust a direction of the beam guiding cylinder such that the first collimator is aligned with the first direction. The outlet end of the beam guiding cylinder is fixed to the frame and the second collimator is aligned with an object to be irradiated by a radiation beam, and the beam guiding cylinder is configured to have flexibility to allow the adjusting device to adjust a direction towards which the inlet end of the beam guiding cylinder is directed, in a direction transverse to the first direction. Collimation adjustment can be achieved only by adjusting the first collimator