Modular X-ray Backscatter System for Portable Personnel Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation-based personnel screening systems are bulky, difficult to transport, and limited in detecting non-metallic objects, with poor image quality due to low radiation doses, and fail to provide a safe and efficient scanning experience, especially in high-throughput areas like airports, where they must comply with regulations for disabled access and provide fast scanning times.
Innovation Solution
A modular X-ray backscatter system with a beam chopper and dual detection enclosures, allowing for efficient detection of radiation scattered from individuals, generating high-resolution images while minimizing radiation exposure, and enabling rapid assembly and disassembly for portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiation-based screening systems are used to detect concealed objects, then detection capability is improved, but system size and weight increase making them bulky and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The screening system is divided into multiple independent detector modules that can be separately positioned and connected to a central control unit. Each detector module contains photomultiplier tubes and associated electronics as separate units, allowing the system to be transported in parts and assembled at the screening location, thereby reducing the weight burden on any single component while maintaining full detection capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If low radiation doses are used to ensure safety, then radiation exposure is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to insufficient detected X-rays
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector modules are positioned at different locations around the screening area, each detecting scattered X-rays from specific zones. The signals from all detectors are combined by the control unit to reconstruct a complete image. This segmentation of the detection field allows the system to maintain high image quality at low radiation doses by collecting sufficient scattered photons across multiple detection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional direct transmission X-ray imaging with scattered X-ray detection using photomultiplier tubes. This substitution enables imaging at lower radiation doses by detecting the scattered radiation pattern, which provides sufficient contrast information for image reconstruction without requiring high radiation intensities.
3Area of stationary object
If portal systems are used for screening, then detection coverage is improved, but portability and ease of transport are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screening system uses multiple independent detector modules that can be positioned to cover a wide screening area when assembled, yet each module is compact and lightweight enough to be transported separately. The modular architecture allows the system to provide extensive coverage during operation while maintaining ease of transport and deployment.
4Measurement precision
If manual searching is used to detect non-metallic objects, then detection thoroughness is improved, but scanning speed decreases making it inconvenient for high-traffic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual visual inspection with automated scattered X-ray detection using photomultiplier tubes and computer-controlled image reconstruction. This substitution enables rapid, thorough detection of both metallic and non-metallic concealed objects without requiring manual searching, thereby maintaining high detection thoroughness while achieving fast scanning speeds suitable for high-traffic screening areas.
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 provides improved detection efficiency, high-resolution imaging, and fast scanning speeds while maintaining safe radiation levels, capable of detecting a wide range of threats, including low-Z materials, and is designed for easy deployment and use in various settings, including airports and open venues.
Implementation Method 1
images of various types of material can be generated using X-ray scattering. The intensity of scattered X-rays is related to the atomic number (Z) of the material scattering the X-rays.
Implementation Method 2
for atomic numbers less than 25, the intensity of X-ray backscatter, or X-ray reflectance, decreases with increasing atomic number.
Data Source
AI summary
Further, the present specification is directed towards personnel screening systems comprising modular components, including detector and source units, where a dual axis scanning beam is employed. In one configuration, the subject under inspection remains stationary and is positioned between two scanning modules. The X-ray source assembly is designed to minimize the overall system footprint while still yielding the requisite field of view, low radiation exposure level, and required resolution. The modular components allow for a compact, light and yet sufficiently rugged overall structure that can be disassembled for ease of transportation and is also simple to reassemble at a required site for inspection.