Moving X-Ray Inspection for Clear Images at Full Conveyance Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray foreign matter inspection apparatuses face challenges in obtaining clear transmission images with less noise without reducing conveyance speed, as short exposure times result in noisy or unclear images, while longer exposure times necessitate slower conveyance or halting the process.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray generator and detector are configured to move back and forth in the conveyance direction of the inspection object, capturing images at the same speed as the object moves, allowing for extended exposure time without slowing down the conveyance. This setup includes a reference image system to adjust irradiation range and movement speed based on image comparisons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the exposure time for the inspection object is set to be long, then the transmission image becomes clear with less noise, but the conveyance speed of the inspection object must be reduced or temporarily stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray generator and detector are made movable along the conveyance path, allowing them to dynamically track the inspection object. This dynamic positioning enables the system to maintain optimal exposure conditions while the object continues to move through the inspection apparatus, resolving the contradiction between requiring long exposure times for clear images and maintaining high conveyance speed for productivity.
2Productivity
If the exposure time for the inspection object is short, then the conveyance speed can be maintained, but the transmission image becomes noisy or unclear
Solution Approach 1:
By making the X-ray generator and detector movable and capable of tracking the inspection object's position, the system can maintain extended exposure times even as the object moves quickly through the apparatus. The generator and detector move in synchronization with the object, allowing continuous exposure without requiring the object to slow down or stop, thus maintaining both high conveyance speed and clear image quality.
3Device complexity
If the X-ray generator and detector are fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the exposure time must be shortened to maintain conveyance speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces controlled movement of the X-ray generator and detector along the conveyance path, synchronized with the inspection object's motion. This dynamic configuration allows the generator and detector to track the object throughout its passage, effectively extending the exposure time without requiring additional complex subsystems or fundamentally changing the basic X-ray inspection architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable X-ray generator and detector serve multiple functions: they generate X-rays for inspection, track the inspection object's position, and maintain optimal exposure conditions throughout the object's passage. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended exposure times without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same components perform both positioning and inspection tasks.
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
This configuration enables clear transmission images with reduced noise without reducing conveyance speed, increasing inspection efficiency by allowing more inspections per unit time and improving image quality through synchronized movement and irradiation adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator that irradiates inspection objects that are sequentially conveyed with X-rays
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have been transmitted through the inspection object
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an X-ray inspection apparatus capable of obtaining a clear transmission image with less noise without reducing a conveyance speed of an inspection object. There is provided an X-ray inspection apparatus in which an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector are disposed to face each other with a conveyance path interposed between the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, conveyance path through which inspection objects that are sequentially conveyed pass. The X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are configured to move back and forth in a conveyance direction of the inspection object and an opposite direction thereof. The X-ray detector captures an image of the inspection object while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector moves in the conveyance direction from an image capturing start position to an image capturing end position at a speed equal to the conveyance speed of the inspection object.