Movable X-Ray Shielding Curtain for Compact Radiographic Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic inspection devices face issues with X-ray leakage due to fixed shielding curtains that are difficult to manage for lighter objects, and require a longer inspection space for effective shielding, leading to space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A radiographic inspection device with a driving mechanism that controls the movement of shielding curtains based on object proximity, using detection apparatuses to open or close the inspection space entrance and exit, ensuring effective X-ray shielding and space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed shielding curtains are mounted at the entrance and exit of the inspection space, then X-ray shielding effectiveness is improved, but lightweight objects cannot push open the curtains to enter or exit the inspection region
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding curtain is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable structure. The driving mechanism enables the curtain to automatically open when an object approaches and close when the object leaves, allowing lightweight objects to pass through without manual intervention while maintaining shielding effectiveness during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection apparatus to automatically trigger the driving mechanism, enabling the shielding curtain to open and close itself based on object presence. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation or heavy manual pushing by lightweight objects
2Reliability
If multiple shielding curtains are distributed in the inspection space, then X-ray leakage is prevented, but the inspection space length increases and more space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple shielding curtains distributed throughout the inspection space, the patent segments the shielding function into a single curtain at the exit that operates independently. This segmentation allows the inspection space to maintain its original compact length while still preventing X-ray leakage through coordinated operation of the shielding mechanisms
3Reliability
If the shielding curtain is made heavier to improve shielding effectiveness, then radiation protection is enhanced, but the curtain becomes impossible to push open by lightweight objects
Solution Approach 1:
The driving mechanism incorporates a counterweight system that balances the heavy shielding curtain, enabling it to move smoothly despite its weight. The counterweight offsets the gravitational force on the curtain, allowing lightweight objects to trigger the opening mechanism while the curtain remains heavy enough for effective radiation protection
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 solution allows seamless inspection of lightweight objects while preventing X-ray leakage and reducing the required inspection space, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
light emitting and receiving components respectively mounted on two sides of the support frame and perpendicular to a movement direction of the object
Data Source
AI summary
A radiographic inspection device and a method of inspecting an object are provided. The radiographic inspection device includes: a support frame, where an inspection space applicable to inspect an object is formed within the support frame, and the inspection space has an opening connecting to an outside; a transfer mechanism applicable to carry the object to move through the inspection space; a shielding curtain mounted at the opening; and a driving mechanism mounted on the support frame and configured to drive the shielding curtain to move, in response to the object getting close to or moving away from the opening, so as to open or close the opening.