Multi-ray-source Accelerator for Compact X-ray Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-ray-source systems for X-ray inspections are expensive, require large installation spaces, have high application site requirements, and poor adaptability, making them costly and inefficient for substance identification in security and transportation contexts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-ray-source accelerator comprising a series of acceleration tubes connected to form a compact structure, with a microwave unit to accelerate electron beams and generate X-rays, featuring adjustable collimators and a cooling system to enhance energy and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent ray sources are used to improve substance identification ability, then inspection effectiveness is improved, but device cost and installation space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple acceleration tubes into a single integrated accelerator device, where multiple electron beams are generated and accelerated simultaneously within one device structure. This allows multiple ray sources to be combined into one unified system, improving substance identification capability while avoiding the need for multiple separate ray source installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerator device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can generate multiple electron beams with different energies and directions. The device incorporates multiple acceleration tubes, electron sources, and collimators that can be independently controlled to produce various inspection configurations, making one device replace multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If traditional multi-ray-source systems are used, then inspection capability is enhanced, but adaptability to different application sites deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms where the acceleration voltage, electron beam intensity, and collimator positions can be adjusted in real-time. This allows the device to adapt to different inspection requirements and application sites, transforming from a static fixed-function system to a dynamic multi-functional system that can be configured for various inspection scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing of key parameters including acceleration voltage, beam energy, and beam direction through electronic control. By varying these parameters, the same hardware configuration can serve different inspection needs, improving adaptability without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed devices.
3Reliability
If high-energy X-ray generation is implemented, then inspection effectiveness improves, but energy consumption and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by allowing selective activation of individual acceleration tubes or electron beams based on inspection requirements. Instead of always operating all beams at maximum energy, the system can activate only the necessary number of beams at appropriate energy levels, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining inspection effectiveness.
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 provides a cost-effective, compact, and adaptable X-ray source system capable of generating high-energy X-rays for efficient substance identification with improved adaptability and accuracy in security and transportation inspections.
Implementation Method 1
a microwave unit configured to provide a microwave field to the plurality of acceleration tubes, so as to accelerate electron beams in the at least one cavity of each acceleration tube
Implementation Method 2
electron linacs are mainly used to generate X-rays with an energy of higher than 2 MeV
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a multi-ray-source accelerator and an inspection method. The multi-ray-source accelerator includes: a plurality of acceleration tubes, each acceleration tube of the plurality of acceleration tubes including an acceleration tube body that defines at least one cavity, the plurality of acceleration tubes being arranged in at least one row along a straight line or an arc and connected in series with each other; and a microwave unit configured to provide a microwave field to the plurality of acceleration tubes. The plurality of acceleration tubes are arranged to allow the microwave unit to provide the microwave field from an acceleration tube at one end of the plurality of acceleration tubes so as to accelerate electron beams in cavities of all the acceleration tubes.