Modular Ray Inspection System for Container Yards

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional container inspection systems are large, require dedicated space, and have long construction periods, high costs, and inefficient operation due to the need for transporting containers to a separate inspection field, which occupies valuable port space and reduces efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A ray inspection system comprising standard container-sized chambers with a ray generator and receiving device, aligned to create a scanning passage, allowing seamless integration into a container yard using existing lifting mechanisms, enabling efficient scanning without dedicated space or special mounting apparatus, and facilitating easy assembly and transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a conventional container inspection system is used, then inspection capability is provided, but it occupies much valuable port space and requires dedicated field or place for mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace occupationVSAvoidintegration into container yard
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is divided into multiple independent chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be separately mounted on container stacks. Each chamber contains the inspection apparatus, allowing the system to be distributed across multiple standard container positions rather than requiring a single large dedicated space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses standard container-sized chambers that can be mounted on any container stack in the yard, making the inspection system adaptable to different locations and configurations. The same chamber design can serve multiple inspection purposes and be relocated as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a conventional container inspection system is used, then inspection capability is provided, but it has long construction period and high cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and transferVSAvoidconstruction period
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular chambers that can be independently manufactured and then assembled on existing container stacks. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex on-site construction and allows for rapid deployment by simply mounting the chambers onto standard containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection chambers are designed to fit within or alongside standard container dimensions, effectively nesting the inspection system within the existing container infrastructure. This allows the system to utilize the familiar container form factor for easy integration and deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If conventional inspection process is used, then containers can be inspected, but containers need to be transported to a separate field and back, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidtransport time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is merged directly with the container storage stacks in the yard, combining the inspection function with the existing container handling infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate transport to and from a dedicated inspection facility, as containers can be inspected in place within the yard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables containers to be inspected while remaining in their storage positions, allowing the container yard operations to continue without interruption. Containers are inspected in situ during normal yard operations rather than requiring separate transport cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for efficient container inspection within the container yard, reducing space occupation, simplifying assembly and transfer, and enhancing operational efficiency by using existing lifting mechanisms, thus saving time and resources.

Implementation Method 1

a ray generator device configured to emit a ray, a ray receiving device configured to receive the ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission and detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3296771B1Ray inspection system and ray inspection method for a container
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3296771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3296771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3296771B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A ray inspection system used to be mounted in a container yard to inspect an object within a container is provided. The ray inspection system includes: a ray generator device configured to emit a ray, a ray receiving device configured to receive the ray, and at least one chamber for receiving the ray generator device and the ray receiving device therein. Each of the at least one chamber is configured to be a standard container or a chamber which has a same shape, a same size and a same structure as a standard container such that the ray inspection system is adapted to be stacked in the container yard.