Mobile X-Ray Inspection Trailer for Dynamic Vehicle Screening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-intrusive inspection systems for detecting contraband in vehicles or containers are limited by the need for fixed-site installations and lack the ability to provide both transmission and scatter-based imaging while the object or system is in motion, which hampers productivity and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile inspection system that includes a self-propelled trailer with a deployable x-ray source and detector, capable of providing both transmission and backscatter imaging, allowing for rapid deployment and the ability to inspect vehicles while they are in motion, using a downward-directed x-ray beam for enhanced penetration and detection of contraband.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-site backscatter inspection systems are deployed, then detection capability is improved, but deployment flexibility and mobility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is mounted on a mobile platform (trailer or vehicle) that can be transported to different locations and deployed dynamically. The x-ray source and detector array are positioned on the mobile platform to enable movement while maintaining inspection capability, transforming a static fixed-site system into a dynamic mobile system that combines detection reliability with deployment flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform serves multiple functions: it carries the x-ray source, supports the detector array, provides structural stability during inspection, and enables transportation to different inspection locations. This multi-functional design integrates the inspection system with the mobile platform, allowing the same system to both move and perform detection tasks
2Measurement precision
If transmission imaging with vertical view is implemented, then penetration capability through metal is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from horizontal/side-view inspection to vertical top-down inspection geometry. The x-ray source is positioned above the target object and directs beams downward, creating a vertical inspection path that penetrates metal surfaces more effectively. This dimensional change in inspection geometry improves penetration capability while the mobile platform provides inherent structural support, managing system complexity
3Productivity
If inspection is performed while object is in motion, then inspection throughput is improved, but image quality and detection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous inspection as vehicles pass through the inspection zone without requiring them to stop or slow down. The mobile platform moves with the inspection zone, maintaining continuous x-ray illumination and detection as vehicles pass, allowing inspection throughput to match traffic flow while maintaining detection accuracy through continuous imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical stopping or slowing mechanisms with a moving inspection platform that travels alongside or with the traffic flow. Instead of requiring vehicles to halt for inspection, the inspection system itself is mobile, substituting the need for mechanical interruption of traffic with a dynamically moving detection system
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 efficient and flexible detection of contraband by providing clear transmission and backscatter images, improving inspection rate and throughput without the need for invasive methods, while minimizing radiation exposure and allowing for rapid relocation.
Implementation Method 1
a source of downward-directed penetrating radiation and a detector of penetrating radiation that has been transmitted through the inspected object
Implementation Method 2
imaging using scattered x-rays detected from a mobile platform
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for inspecting a vehicle by means of one or more sources and detectors of penetrating radiation. The source(s) and detector(s) are carried on a mobile conveyance and deployed at a point of operation. One source swings away from the conveyance on a deployable member, such as a boom, such that the source can irradiate a vehicle from above or below. A detector deploys outwardly from the mobile conveyance, remaining mechanically coupled to the mobile conveyance in a position in a horizontal plane, such that the detector intercepts penetrating radiation from the source positioned above the inspected vehicle, which penetrating radiation has interacted with the inspected vehicle. A ramp may be provided to allow the inspected vehicle to be driven to a position between the vertically irradiating source and a transmission detector.