Muon Tomography Scanner Integrated into Yard Stack for Port Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container inspection processes at ports often cause delays in handling inbound containers for distribution by ground transportation due to the need for separate inspection scanning stations, which can slow down the flow of containers through the port.
Innovation Solution
Integrating container scanning systems into the yard stack infrastructure and operationally integrating them with yard crane operations, allowing for real-time scanning of containers as they are offloaded from ships and prepared for ground shipping without requiring additional time or separate scanning stations, using muon tomography scanners that utilize cosmic ray-produced muons for non-destructive inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inspection scanning stations are used for container inspection, then security inspection capability is improved, but container handling speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security inspection scanner with the yard stack structure, integrating two previously separate functions (container stacking and security inspection) into a single unified system. This allows containers to be inspected during normal yard operations without requiring separate inspection stations, thereby maintaining security inspection capability while avoiding the speed reduction associated with dedicated inspection facilities.
2Reliability
If 100% of containers are scanned for security, then security coverage is improved, but processing time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated scanner enables continuous inspection of containers as they are moved through the yard stack during normal operations. Rather than stopping containers for separate inspection, the system performs scanning continuously alongside regular yard activities, ensuring 100% security coverage without adding processing time delays.
3Reliability
If multiple separate systems are deployed for scanning multiple containers, then inspection capability is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The yard stack integrated scanner is designed to handle multiple containers sequentially within a single system structure. The scanner can inspect various container types and sizes using the same infrastructure, eliminating the need for multiple specialized scanning systems while maintaining comprehensive inspection capability across all containers processed through the yard.
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 approach enables efficient and unimpeded container throughput, allowing 100% of containers to be scanned without slowing port traffic, with scanning results transmitted directly to customs or security facilities for clearance, thus maintaining port efficiency and security without exposing the port to liability.
Implementation Method 1
using muon tomography scanners that utilize cosmic ray-produced muons for non-destructive inspection
Implementation Method 2
muon tomography scanners that utilize cosmic ray-produced muons for non-destructive inspection
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for the deployment and operation of shipping container scanning systems that enables scanning of containers passing through a modern, highly automated port without impeding the flow of commerce. Locating the scanners where container dwell time is already longest, and configuring scanners to scan up to several containers in parallel but under separate scanning control, minimizes any delay associated with scanning. Operationally integrating scanning systems with the automated logistical port systems ensures smooth, delay-free operation. Controlling the flow of information so that scanning results, including but not limited to images and assessments of the presence or absence of threat material or contraband, are sent only to government Customs and/or security facilities adjacent to but separate from the port insulates port operators from involvement in activities that could slow container throughput.