Multi-aperture Hoop Scanner for X-ray Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray inspection systems lack the ability to effectively control the viewing angle, viewing direction, and beam resolution of x-ray beams, particularly in applications requiring variable spatial sweep and resolution for efficient target inspection.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus with a source of radiation that generates a fan beam and includes a multi-aperture unit rotatable about a central axis, allowing for adjustment of the beam's angle and resolution through a combination of stationary and rotating collimators, enabling precise control over the beam's sweep angle and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed single-aperture scanning system is used, then the beam path is simple, but the viewing angle and beam resolution cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system divides the beam forming function into multiple independent components: a rotating multi-aperture wheel for angle selection, stationary collimators for beam width control, and a fan beam source. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, enabling versatile viewing angle control while keeping individual components relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotating multi-aperture wheel that dynamically selects different aperture positions to change the viewing angle. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to different inspection requirements by simply rotating the wheel to different angular positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed systems.
2Area of stationary object
If the beam sweep angle is increased to cover more target area, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the beam intensity on the target decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a rotating multi-aperture wheel that periodically selects different apertures to sweep the beam across the target. By controlling the rotation speed and aperture selection timing, the system can concentrate beam intensity on specific target regions during each sweep cycle while still covering the entire target area over multiple cycles, thus maintaining both coverage and intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the beam parameters dynamically by selecting different apertures with different sizes and positions on the rotating wheel. This allows the system to adjust the beam width and direction to concentrate intensity on the target while maintaining coverage, optimizing the trade-off between sweep angle and beam intensity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple apertures are added to the scanning wheel to improve resolution, then the beam precision is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning wheel is segmented into multiple discrete aperture positions arranged in a circle. Each aperture acts as an independent beam directing element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high resolution by simply adding more discrete positions rather than creating a continuous complex structure, making the increase in precision manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating multi-aperture wheel serves as an intermediary component between the fan beam source and the target. It mediates the beam formation process by selectively allowing radiation to pass through specific apertures, thereby controlling the beam direction and resolution without requiring direct control of the source or complex real-time beam shaping.
4Area of stationary object
If the fan beam width is increased to improve coverage, then the scan area is expanded, but the beam resolution on the target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wide fan beam into multiple narrower pencil beams by placing multiple apertures in the scanning wheel. Each aperture receives a portion of the fan beam and directs it as a narrow pencil beam to a specific location on the target. This segmentation allows the system to maintain wide coverage through the fan beam while achieving high resolution through the narrow pencil beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension beam width control to a two-dimensional beam shaping approach by combining the fan beam (wide in one dimension) with the rotating aperture array (controlling the other dimension). This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of coverage and resolution.
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 solution allows for increased beam intensity with reduced angular field of view, enabling more effective inspection with improved resolution and versatility, accommodating various target distances and traversal speeds, and allowing for stereoscopic views of targets.
Implementation Method 1
a source of radiation for generating a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis
Implementation Method 2
x-ray backscatter technology... detectors measure the intensity of backscattered radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3E
AI summary
Apparatus for interrupting and/or scanning a beam of penetrating radiation, such as for purposes of inspecting contents of a container. A source, such as an x-ray tube, generates a fan beam of radiation effectively emanating from a source axis, with the width of the fan beam collimated by a width collimator, such as a clamshell collimator. An angular collimator, stationary during the course of scanning, limits the extent of the scan, and a multi-aperture unit, such as a hoop, or a nested pair of hoops, is rotated about a central axis, and structured in such a manner that beam flux incident on a target is conserved for different fields of view of the beam on the target. The central axis of hoop rotation need not coincide with the source axis.