Four-Sided X-Ray Portal for Mobile Cargo Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile cargo inspection systems face challenges such as limited flexibility, large footprint, high weight, and restricted mobility due to bulky boom structures, which hinder effective scanning of various cargo sizes and environments, particularly in congested areas like ports and airports, and lack comprehensive four-sided imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A four-sided X-ray imaging system with a drive-through portal featuring a ramp and X-ray sources on multiple sides for transmission and backscatter imaging, allowing for collapsible and portable deployment, using high and low energy sources to generate comprehensive images of cargo without compromising the integrity of the cargo, and integrating detectors for simultaneous transmission and backscatter data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional mobile cargo inspection systems use bulky boom structures for scanning, then they can provide imaging coverage, but they suffer from large footprint, high weight, and restricted mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the imaging function into four separate sides, each equipped with its own X-ray source and detector array. This segmentation allows each side to be independently optimized and positioned, eliminating the need for large bulky boom structures while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage of the cargo container.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-sided or top-down imaging to four-sided imaging that wraps around the cargo container. This dimensional change enables comprehensive inspection from multiple angles simultaneously, providing complete coverage without requiring large mechanical booms or complex positioning systems.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional inspection systems use large boom structures, then they can achieve imaging coverage, but they experience high weight and difficult transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into four independent sides, each with its own source-detector pair. This eliminates the need for heavy centralized boom structures that would be required to support a single large imaging system, significantly reducing overall system weight while maintaining comprehensive imaging coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple lower-power X-ray sources positioned at each corner rather than one or two high-power sources on booms. This distributed approach achieves equivalent or superior imaging coverage with reduced total weight and improved portability.
3Reliability
If conventional systems operate in congested areas like ports and airports, then they need inspection capability, but bulky structures hinder mobility and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into four lightweight, modular sides that can be independently transported and deployed. This segmentation enables the system to navigate congested areas like ports and airports where large boom structures would be impractical, while maintaining full inspection capability through coordinated operation of all four sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-sided configuration allows the system to dynamically adapt to different cargo container sizes and positions. Each side can be independently positioned and adjusted, providing flexibility and ease of operation in diverse and congested environments without compromising inspection reliability.
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 provides high detection performance with minimal footprint, enabling rapid deployment and effective scanning of light commercial vehicles and large cargo containers, while being lightweight and compact enough for easy transportation, thus enhancing inspection capabilities in diverse environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first X-ray source disposed on at least one of the first vertical side, second vertical side or top horizontal side for generating an X-ray beam into the inspection area toward the vehicle, a first set of transmission detectors disposed within the portal for receiving the X-rays transmitted through the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a second X-ray source disposed within the ramp of said portal for generating an X-ray beam towards the underside of the vehicle, and a second set of detectors disposed within the ramp of the portal for receiving X-rays that are backscattered from the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention provides a four-sided scanning system for vehicles that uses a combination of backscatter and transmission based X-ray imaging to achieve material discrimination. In one embodiment, the system is designed as a mobile, drive -through system, which can be folded and stowed in a truck and can be conveniently deployed at any place when required.