Gravity-Assisted X-Ray Inspection for Spherical Object Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray inspection methods for spherical objects, such as sporting balls, are time-intensive due to the need for manual rotation and imaging in multiple positions to ensure uniform concentricity, which cannot keep pace with production demands.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray inspection system utilizing a cabinet with a path that allows objects to roll under gravity, enabling natural 3D positioning and orientation, combined with a high-speed x-ray imaging system and computer algorithms to determine shell and core thickness in real time, allowing for automatic grading of objects as they pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray sources and sensors are moved around the object to provide 3-D imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the x-ray sources and sensors around the object, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the imaging system stationary and moving the object through the imaging field. The object rolls along a curved path between fixed x-ray sources and sensors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining comprehensive 3-D imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical object's own shape and rolling motion are utilized to achieve natural 3-D positioning. As the ball rolls along the curved path, its rotation automatically provides multiple viewing angles without requiring external manipulation mechanisms, sources, or sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple x-ray sources and sensors are moved around the object, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process becomes continuous as the object rolls automatically through the imaging field along a curved path. Multiple x-ray sources and sensors continuously capture images throughout the object's motion, eliminating idle time between discrete imaging positions and enabling real-time inspection at production speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The object's own rolling motion serves the inspection process by automatically bringing different portions of the object through the imaging field. This self-propelled movement eliminates the need for time-consuming manual positioning or complex automated handling systems
3Measurement precision
If the object is manually rotated and imaged in multiple positions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical object's shape enables it to roll automatically along the curved path when subjected to gravity or slight inclination. This self-rolling behavior eliminates the need for manual rotation or complex positioning mechanisms, making the inspection process automatic and easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The curved path is designed to work with gravitational force, creating a natural rolling motion. By positioning the path at a slight inclination or using gravity-assisted mechanisms, the object rolls smoothly through the imaging field without requiring external actuators or manual intervention
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 significantly reduces inspection time by automatically capturing necessary viewing angles and measuring thickness in real time, enhancing production efficiency and quality control by grading objects as 'Pass' or 'Fail' based on user-defined thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
the path utilizes gravity to alter the position and orientation of the object as it travels along the path
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray imaging system to image the object along the path within the cabinet
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic x-ray inspection system and method for inspecting objects, containing a cabinet, a path for an object to roll within the cabinet, from an entry point to an exit point, wherein the path utilizes gravity to alter the position and orientation of the object as it travels along the path, an x-ray imaging system to image the object along the path within the cabinet, wherein the x-ray imaging system has a field of view that captures views of the object along the object's travel, and a computer algorithm to determine a thickness of at least one of a shell and center of the object, wherein if a uniform thickness is determined, the object is tagged as passed or non-passed.