Portable X-Ray Tube Positioning via Telescopic Boom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial radiography devices are often expensive to replace and relocate, and medical x-ray devices are not suitable for industrial settings due to limitations in dose energies, complexity, bulkiness, and maneuverability, making them unsuitable for non-destructive testing in various industrial contexts.
Innovation Solution
A portable industrial radiography apparatus featuring a support frame, an upright support member, an elongate lift arm with a pivot and linear actuator, and a friction slip ring and set screw for adjustable positioning of the x-ray tube, allowing for easy repositioning and adaptable examination of objects, with a compact and robust design that includes necessary safeties and interlocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new radiography device is installed at a different location, then the ability to perform non-destructive testing at new sites is improved, but the cost increases due to expensive infrastructure requirements and rigging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning system with a telescoping boom arm and pivot joints that allow the x-ray tube to be moved to various positions around the object being tested. This dynamic structure replaces static, fixed installations, enabling the device to be relocated and repositioned without expensive infrastructure modifications at new sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiography device is divided into separate functional modules: a movable x-ray tube assembly on a telescoping boom, a control system, and a support structure. This segmentation allows the x-ray tube to be independently positioned while keeping the main body portable, reducing the need for complete infrastructure installation at new locations.
2Ease of operation
If medical x-ray devices are used for industrial radiography, then portability is improved, but the device becomes unsuitable due to limited dose energies and maneuverability constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in both portable field conditions and fixed installation modes, accommodate various x-ray tube types with different energy ranges, and position the tube in multiple orientations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both portable medical-like applications and industrial radiography requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of operational parameters including x-ray tube energy levels, positioning coordinates, and exposure settings. The telescoping boom and pivot mechanisms enable continuous adjustment of the x-ray tube position and angle, providing adaptability to different industrial testing requirements while maintaining portability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the x-ray tube position is fixed, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to examine various areas of interest is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The boom arm structure incorporates pivot joints and telescoping sections that provide controlled movement while maintaining structural stability during x-ray exposure. The system can be locked into stable positions during imaging while allowing repositioning between exposures, achieving both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping boom arm acts as an intermediary between the stable base structure and the x-ray tube, providing a stable yet adjustable connection that allows positioning flexibility while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
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
Enables efficient and flexible non-destructive testing by allowing the x-ray tube to be easily positioned and repositioned around objects of interest, reducing the need for expensive infrastructure and facilitating analysis in various industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator positioned between the support frame and the lift arm for manipulating a position of the x-ray tube
Implementation Method 2
an actuator attached to the lift arm adjacent second end of the lift arm wherein the actuator urges the shaft in a direction along a length of the lift arm
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray tube attached to the first end of the elongate lift arm
Data Source
AI summary
A portable industrial radiography apparatus is provided for radiographic non-destructive testing. The portable industrial radiography apparatus includes a support frame, an upright support member attached to the support frame, an elongate lift arm including a first end and a second end, wherein the elongate lift arm is pivotally attached to the upright support member adjacent the second end of the lift arm, an x-ray tube attached to the first end of the elongate lift arm, and a linear actuator positioned between the support frame and the lift arm for manipulating a position of the x-ray tube attached to the first end of the elongate lift arm.