Pulsed X-ray Cargo Inspection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray scanning systems for high-speed cargo inspection, such as those on rail cars, are limited by scanning speeds and image quality, often requiring slower speeds to maintain acceptable image quality and exposing workers to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A high-speed X-ray inspection system utilizing a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with cone-beam geometry, where the X-ray source and detector are placed on opposite sides of the inspection zone, and a control system modulates the pulse rate of the X-ray source in proportion to the cargo's speed, ensuring precise timing and effective threat detection with minimal false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional X-ray scanning systems are used for high-speed cargo inspection, then scanning speed can be increased, but image quality deteriorates and workers are exposed to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pulsed X-ray emission synchronized to the periodic passage of cargo containers through the inspection zone. The X-ray source emits radiation in controlled pulses rather than continuously, with each pulse timed to coincide with a container's position in the inspection zone. This periodic action enables high scanning speeds while maintaining image quality by ensuring adequate photon accumulation during each exposure pulse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pulse rate and duration of X-ray emission based on the detected speed of passing cargo. The control system modulates the X-ray source parameters in real-time to match the cargo throughput, allowing the system to optimize between scanning speed and image quality requirements for different operational conditions.
2Productivity
If conventional X-ray scanning systems operate at high speeds, then productivity increases, but radiation exposure to workers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed X-ray emission system operates intermittently rather than continuously, with radiation emitted only during brief intervals when cargo is present in the inspection zone. This periodic operation dramatically reduces cumulative radiation exposure to workers while maintaining high productivity, as the system can process cargo at high speeds using short, intense pulses rather than prolonged continuous exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses short-duration high-intensity X-ray pulses that rapidly penetrate cargo and capture necessary imaging data before the cargo moves on. This 'rushing through' approach minimizes the time workers are exposed to radiation while still achieving complete inspection of high-speed moving cargo, effectively skipping through the inspection process in brief moments rather than prolonged exposure.
3Measurement precision
If pulsed X-ray emission is synchronized to cargo speed, then image quality is maintained at high speeds, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates speed detection of passing cargo and uses this feedback signal to synchronize the X-ray pulse emission timing. The control system monitors cargo movement and dynamically adjusts the pulse rate and timing to maintain optimal image quality regardless of variations in cargo speed, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves multiple functions: detecting cargo presence, measuring cargo speed, timing X-ray pulse emission, and adjusting pulse parameters. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 high-speed scanning of cargo up to 150 km/h while maintaining excellent image quality and reducing radiation exposure, achieving maximum threat detection with increased throughput and minimized false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam to irradiate the cargo
Implementation Method 2
at least one detector array to receive the X-ray beam signals transmitted through the scanned cargo
Data Source
AI summary
The present specification discloses a high speed scanning system for scanning cargo carried by rail. The system uses of a two-dimensional X-ray sensor array with, in one embodiment, a cone-beam X-ray geometry. The pulse rate of X-ray source is modulated based on the speed of the moving cargo to allow a distance travelled by the cargo between X-ray pulses to be equal to the width of the detector, for a single energy source, and to half the width of the detector for a dual energy source. This ensures precise timing between the X-ray exposure and the speed of the passing object, and thus accurate scanning of cargo even at high speeds.