Integrated Backscatter X-ray System with Rotatable Aperture Wheel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray systems for backscatter imaging are cumbersome and time-consuming to set up, requiring disassembly of structures for access, which increases maintenance time and expense, and are heavy due to external components like power supplies and cooling systems, making them difficult to move and reassemble.
Innovation Solution
An integrated x-ray system with a moveable platform and housing containing the x-ray tube and power supply, along with a rotatable wheel that allows x-ray beams to pass through apertures, reducing the need for external components and enabling inspection of hard-to-reach areas without disassembly, by positioning the x-ray tube and power supply inside the housing and using a coolant for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power supply and cooling components are used, then the x-ray system can function effectively, but the system weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply and cooling system components inside the housing with the x-ray tube, eliminating the need for external power supplies and cooling systems. This merging of components reduces the overall system weight and size while maintaining full functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable operation and reduced weight.
2Ease of operation
If structures are disassembled for access to enclosed areas, then inspection can be performed, but maintenance time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of disassembling structures with a compact, movable x-ray system that can be positioned externally to inspect enclosed areas. The integrated design allows the entire x-ray system to be moved to different locations and positioned near enclosed areas without requiring structural disassembly, thereby reducing maintenance time and expense while maintaining inspection capability.
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 configuration reduces the weight and size of the x-ray system, allowing for easier movement and faster setup, while maintaining effective backscatter imaging capabilities, thus reducing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
An x-ray tube located inside of the housing is configured to generate an x-ray beam
Implementation Method 2
a coolant present inside of the housing, wherein the x-ray tube and the power supply are cooled using the coolant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and apparatus for generating an x-ray beam. The x-ray beam is generated using an x-ray tube. The x-ray tube and a power supply are located inside of a housing connected to a moveable platform. A rotatable wheel connected to the moveable platform is rotated while the x-ray beam is being generated. The rotatable wheel has a number of apertures that allows at least a portion of the x-ray beam to pass through the rotatable wheel as the rotatable wheel rotates.