Gravity-Fed Tomography Chute for Asynchronous Object Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating three-dimensional representations of objects through barriers rely on internally synchronized mechanical systems, limiting their use in cases with external automation or irregular object flow, which restricts visualization and analysis applications.
Innovation Solution
A gravity-fed tomography system that uses a chute oriented non-perpendicular to the gravitational vector, emitting electromagnetic radiation and receiving sensor data to generate two-dimensional image slices, which are then arranged to construct a three-dimensional tomogram of objects moving by gravity or external forces, eliminating the need for conveyor belts and allowing asynchronous object flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If internally synchronized mechanical systems are used to feed objects at a defined pace, then three-dimensional representations can be generated through barriers, but the system cannot handle external automation systems or irregular or asynchronous object flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical conveyor belt system with a gravity-fed chute system. Objects are fed through the chute under gravity's influence without requiring mechanical synchronization between the conveyor and the rotating beam. The system uses sensors to detect object presence and triggers the imaging sequence accordingly, eliminating the need for mechanically synchronized pacing mechanisms while maintaining accurate three-dimensional reconstruction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity-fed chute system allows objects to move through the system under their own weight without requiring external mechanical propulsion or synchronization. The system adapts to the object's natural flow rate, and sensors automatically trigger the imaging process when an object is detected, enabling the system to handle irregular and asynchronous object flow without additional mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conveyor belts are used to move objects through the system, then objects can be transported for imaging, but the system requires internal synchronization that limits its use with external automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conveyor belt mechanism with a gravity-fed chute. The chute is oriented non-perpendicular to the gravitational vector, allowing objects to slide or roll through under gravity's influence. This eliminates the mechanical synchronization requirements between conveyor and imaging system, while sensors detect object presence and trigger the imaging sequence, maintaining ease of operation without compromising adaptability to external automation.
3Productivity
If mechanically synchronized systems are used, then defined pace object feeding is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate irregular or asynchronous object flow
Solution Approach 1:
The gravity-fed system allows objects to move at their own pace under gravity's influence without requiring mechanical synchronization. Sensors detect object presence and automatically trigger the imaging sequence, enabling the system to adapt to irregular and asynchronous object flow while maintaining efficient processing. The system self-regulates based on object flow rate without requiring external pacing mechanisms.
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
Enables the generation of accurate three-dimensional tomograms of objects through barriers without mechanical synchronization, facilitating visualization and analysis in various applications, including security and quality assurance, by using gravity or external forces to move objects through the system.
Implementation Method 1
The chute may be configured to be non-perpendicular to a gravitational vector such that gravity facilitates movement of the object through the chute
Implementation Method 2
The sources may emit electromagnetic radiation toward the object when the object is disposed in the chute. The one or more receivers, which may receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more sources
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer readable memory are disclosed for constructing a three-dimensional tomogram using a gravity-fed tomography system. A gravity-fed tomography system may generate a three-dimensional image through a barrier. The system may include a chute. The chute may be configured to receive a three-dimensional object having x-, y- and, z-dimensions. The chute may be configured to be non-perpendicular to a gravitational vector such that gravity facilitates movement of the object through the chute. The system may include one or more sources. The sources may emit electromagnetic radiation toward the object when the object is disposed in the chute. The system may include one or more receivers, which may receive at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the one or more sources.