Movable Ray Inspection System for Container Yards

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional container inspection systems are large, space-intensive, and inefficient, requiring separate fields for operation, leading to long construction periods, high costs, and reduced efficiency in container yards due to the need for frequent transportation of containers for inspection.

Innovation Solution

A movable ray inspection system comprising standard container-sized chambers with integrated ray generator and receiving devices, guide wheels, and a driving mechanism, allowing for stacking and movement within container yards to inspect containers without the need for dedicated spaces or complex assembly/disassembly processes.

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 space of a port and requires a separated field for mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupied by inspection systemVSAvoidassembly and disassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is divided into multiple independent chamber modules that can be separately manufactured and then assembled together. Each chamber is a self-contained unit that can be easily transported and stacked, eliminating the need for a large dedicated field and complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chambers are designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions that allow them to be used in multiple configurations and locations. The same chamber modules can be stacked in different arrangements to create inspection systems of varying sizes, making the system adaptable to different port spaces without requiring custom-built infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If containers are transported to a separate field for inspection, then inspection can be performed, but it spends time and needs great effort which reduces efficiency of operation in the container yard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidtime for transportation and inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of transporting containers to a fixed inspection location, the inspection system is brought to the containers within the container yard. The movable chambers can be positioned directly at the storage locations and perform inspections in place, eliminating transportation time and effort while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically reposition itself to different container locations within the yard. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various inspection scenarios without requiring container movement, thereby improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional inspection system is deployed, then inspection function is provided, but it is hard to assemble and disassemble and is non-transferred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransferability of inspection systemVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into standardized chamber modules with uniform interfaces, allowing for simple assembly and disassembly through stacking and unstacking operations. Each module is self-contained and can be independently handled, greatly simplifying the assembly process compared to conventional fixed systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chambers are designed to nest within each other through vertical stacking, creating a compact configuration that is easy to transport and deploy. The nested arrangement allows multiple inspection units to be stored in a small space and quickly assembled by simply stacking the chambers in the desired configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enables efficient, space-saving container inspections within container yards, reducing operational time and costs by allowing for on-site scanning and easy transfer of the inspection system using existing lifting mechanisms, thereby enhancing yard efficiency and simplifying assembly and transfer processes.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRay emission and detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS10782246B2Movable ray inspection system and ray inspection method for a container

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 NUCTECH CO LTD

AI summary

A movable ray inspection system used to be mounted in a container yard to inspect an object within a container is provided. The movable 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 movable ray inspection system is adapted to be stacked in the container yard.