Flexible X-Ray Aperture Chain for Portable Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional x-ray inspection devices are limited by large and heavy shields that restrict their portability and require significant effort to transport and position, making them unsuitable for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible aperture chain system comprising pivotably coupled links with apertures that form a continuous loop, allowing for adjustable x-ray beam shaping and alignment, enhancing portability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large and heavy shield is used to block unwanted x-rays, then x-ray blocking effectiveness is improved, but device portability and ease of positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional monolithic shield into multiple separate links that can be individually manipulated. Each link contains a portion of the aperture structure, and the links can be pivoted independently to form different aperture configurations. This segmentation allows the shield to be compact when not in use and easily positioned to create the desired x-ray beam shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic aperture structure where links can be pivoted between different positions. The aperture can be dynamically adjusted to open or close based on inspection requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to transition between blocking all x-rays (when the aperture is closed) and allowing controlled x-ray passage (when the aperture is open), providing both effective shielding and operational flexibility without requiring a large fixed shield structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a heavy shield with apertures is used to shape the x-ray beam, then beam shaping capability is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is segmented into multiple links that can be independently positioned. Each link can contain an aperture or be configured to block x-rays, allowing the system to create complex beam shapes by selectively positioning individual links. This modular approach simplifies the overall structure compared to a monolithic shield with multiple fixed apertures, as each link is a simple, standardized component.
Solution Approach 2:
The links are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions. Each link can be positioned to either block x-rays or create an aperture, and the same link design can be used throughout the chain. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and allows the system to achieve versatile beam shaping capabilities through simple reconfiguration of identical components rather than requiring complex custom-made shield structures.
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 flexible aperture chain system enables efficient and portable x-ray inspection by allowing for adjustable beam shaping and alignment, improving usability and reducing the size and weight of the equipment.
Implementation Method 1
one or more links comprising an aperture that is configured to allow only a portion of the x-ray emission to pass through the aperture
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for forming an x-ray beam. The apparatus comprises a plurality of links pivotably coupled together, in an end-to-end manner, to form a continuous loop. The plurality of links comprises two or more links configured to block a transmission of an x-ray emission. The plurality of links also comprises at least one link comprising an aperture that is configured to allow only a portion of the x-ray emission to pass through the aperture.