Automated Radiographic Apron Inspection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting protective equipment used in radiographic imaging are laborious, operator-dependent, and may miss defects, posing a risk to inspectors and compromising the effectiveness of the protective gear.
Innovation Solution
An automated system utilizing standard x-ray equipment in digital radiography rooms to radiographically image protective aprons, allowing for systematic acquisition and analysis of images to identify defects, thereby enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of quality control inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual fluoroscopic inspection is used to examine protective equipment, then visual defects can be identified, but the process is laborious, operator-dependent, and may miss defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated digital radiographic imaging system. The system uses a radiographic source to capture images of the protective equipment and an image processor to automatically analyze the images for defects, eliminating operator dependence and improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-inspection of the protective equipment by the facility itself using the automated imaging and processing system, rather than relying on external manual inspection services. The equipment is placed in the imaging system and automatically examined without human intervention in the inspection process.
2Loss of information
If manual inspection is performed to identify defects, then some defects can be reported, but proper localization in follow-up examination becomes difficult and subjective assessment leads to erroneous results
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback through digital imaging that clearly shows the location and characteristics of defects. The radiographic images and automated analysis provide objective feedback on defect presence, location, and severity, eliminating subjective assessment and making follow-up examinations straightforward through image comparison.
3Reliability
If fluoroscopic imaging system is used for periodic inspections, then radiographic images can be captured, but the process imposes radiation risk to the inspector
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual inspection that requires inspector exposure to radiation with an automated digital radiographic system. The imaging system captures radiographic images and the automated image processing performs the inspection, eliminating the need for human inspectors to be exposed to radiation during the examination process.
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 automated system significantly reduces the labor and risk associated with manual inspections, ensuring comprehensive and accurate detection of defects in protective equipment, thereby maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the protective gear.
Implementation Method 1
placing a human worn apron made of, at least in part, radiopaque material between an x-ray source and a digital radiographic detector
Implementation Method 2
radiographic images of the human worn apron are acquired and the images examined to identify gaps, defects or worn out areas in the radiopaque material
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for disposing a human worn apron, which is at least partially constructed of a radiopaque material, between an x-ray source and a digital radiographic detector. Radiographic images of the human worn apron are captured in the detector after exposure by the radiographic source so that the radiographic images may be examined to identify gaps or areas that may be worn out or eroded in the radiopaque material.