Multi-Sensor Security Portal with Symmetrical Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metal detectors, especially those used in sensitive areas like airports, often suffer from false or unreliable detections due to the lack of simultaneous and reliable detection of metal and radiation phenomena, and they are not aesthetically pleasing or compact enough for widespread use.

Innovation Solution

A multi-sensorial control system with oblong vertical housings containing both metal detection coils and additional sensors for ionizing radiation, explosive material, and chemical substance detection, arranged to provide simultaneous and reliable detection with a symmetrical and compact design that reduces the number of required controllers and saves space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate detection devices are used for metal, radiation, and chemical detection, then detection coverage is comprehensive, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines metal detection coils, radiation detectors, and chemical sensors into a single integrated detection system with a common housing structure. This merging of previously separate detection devices into one unified system provides comprehensive detection coverage while reducing the number of devices needed, directly resolving the technical contradiction between versatility and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously perform metal detection, radiation detection, and chemical substance detection. The system uses a single housing that accommodates multiple types of sensors and detectors, allowing one device to serve multiple detection purposes, thereby reducing the need for multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate detection devices are used for metal, radiation, and chemical detection, then detection coverage is comprehensive, but space occupation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated system with a shared housing structure. By combining metal detection coils, radiation detectors, and chemical sensors into one physical unit, the system provides comprehensive detection coverage while occupying significantly less space than multiple separate devices would require

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system arranges different detection components in a three-dimensional configuration within the housing, utilizing vertical and lateral space efficiently. The metal detection coils are positioned in vertical walls, radiation detectors are placed in the base, and chemical sensors are integrated into the housing structure, optimizing spatial utilization across multiple dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If planar coils are used in vertical walls, then detection coverage is achieved, but aesthetic appeal and compactness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidaesthetic appeal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the planar detection coils within the vertical walls of the housing in a compact arrangement. The coils are integrated into the wall structure rather than protruding outward, creating a compact and aesthetically pleasing form factor while maintaining the necessary detection coverage through proper coil positioning and orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Device complexity

If detection subsystems are aligned one behind another, then structural simplicity is achieved, but compacity is reduced and false detections increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural arrangementVSAvoidcompactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions different detection subsystems in different spatial dimensions rather than aligning them linearly. Metal detection coils are placed in vertical walls, radiation detectors are positioned in the horizontal base, and chemical sensors are integrated into the housing structure. This three-dimensional arrangement achieves compactness by utilizing available space in multiple dimensions simultaneously while maintaining structural organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances detection reliability, reduces false alarms, and provides a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing security solution by allowing simultaneous detection of metal and radiation, improving transit flow and reducing the need for multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

two oblong and vertical shape housings (10, 12), placed one behind another, basically forming two walls where people pass through for inspection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one scintillation sensor (4) provided inside said coil (3) and staggered to cover all the height of said housing (10, 12) so as to detect the presence of ionizing radiations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

a photoelectric barrier (9) suitable to detect the presence of a person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP1750149B1Metal detector
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 MANNESCHI M ALESSANDRO
  • EP1750149B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP1750149B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP1750149B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A metal detector for control of protected access comprising two oblong shape vertical housings (10, 12), and emitting and receiving electrical coils (3, 5) provided in said housings, characterized in that at least an additional type of sensors (4) is provided in at least one of said housings (10, 12), said coils (3, 5) and additional type of sensors (4) being symmetrically provided in said at least one of said housings so as to present a physical and geometrical coincidence detections.