Linear Induction Motor Transfer Cart for Vibration-Free Container Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container search systems face challenges in maintaining high-quality radiation images during unmanned inspections due to vibrations caused by the transfer of containers on motor-driven rollers, which degrade the X-ray search image.
Innovation Solution
A container search system utilizing a transfer cart propelled by a linear induction motor and a secondary reaction plate, minimizing vibrations by generating a moving magnetic field for levitation and propulsion, allowing the cart to travel along a search path with a radiation irradiator and detector, ensuring stable image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-driven roller transferring device is used, then automation of the workplace is achieved, but vibration is generated that degrades the quality of X-ray search images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the motor-driven roller mechanical transferring device with a linear induction motor system. The LIM uses electromagnetic fields to propel the transfer cart along the rail without mechanical contact between the driving components, thereby eliminating vibration while maintaining automation. The primary side is fixed to the transfer cart and the secondary side to the rail, creating a contactless driving mechanism that solves the contradiction between automation and image quality.
2Speed
If the transfer cart travels on a rail with roller contact, then the cart can be moved along the search path, but vibration due to contact between roller and rail degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the roller-rail mechanical contact system with a linear induction motor system. The LIM propels the transfer cart through electromagnetic interaction between the primary side (on the cart) and secondary side (on the rail), eliminating mechanical contact and associated vibrations while maintaining the cart's ability to travel along the search path at required speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from mechanical friction-based movement to electromagnetic field-based propulsion. This parameter change from mechanical contact to field interaction eliminates the vibration source while preserving the transfer cart's mobility along the circulation orbit.
3Productivity
If X-rays with strong penetrating power are used for inspection, then cargo can be inspected without opening containers, but unmanned workplaces are required to protect workers from radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the transfer cart as an intermediary mechanism that enables automated, unmanned operation. The cart transports the container through the radiation inspection zone, allowing the radiation irradiator and detector to remain stationary while the container moves through the beam path. This intermediary system maintains high inspection efficiency while eliminating human exposure to radiation.
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 effectively transfers containers with minimal vibration, enabling the acquisition of high-quality radiation images during inspections, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of cargo screening.
Implementation Method 1
a primary side of a linear induction motor configured to generate a moving magnetic field is formed on one of the transfer cart and the search path
Implementation Method 2
a secondary-side reaction plate configured to generate a linear driving force by inducing a secondary eddy current due to the moving magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
a radiation irradiator configured to emit radiation toward a container to be inspected
Implementation Method 4
a detector installed opposite the radiation irradiator to detect radiation passed through the container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a container search system comprising: a radiation irradiation unit for irradiating radiation to a container to be inspected; a detection unit installed opposite to the radiation irradiation unit to detect radiation having passed through a container; a transfer cart for loading an automobile thereon, on which a container to be inspected is loaded, and travelling along a search path formed between the radiation irradiation unit and the detection unit; and a circulation orbit unit formed to allow the transfer cart to circulate along the search path, wherein a primary side of a linear induction motor for generating a moving magnetic field is formed on either side among the transfer cart and the search path and a secondary-side reaction plate for inducing a secondary eddy current due to the moving magnetic field and generating a linear driving force is formed on the other side thereof. The container search system can transfer a transfer cart according to a linear motor scheme in a radiation search section, and thus can obtain a radiation search image of high quality.