Reconfigurable CT Scanner Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT scanning systems are too large for smaller spaces and require extensive radiation shielding, limiting their deployment in environments like building lobbies, mobile trucks, and other physically constrained areas, while also having lower throughput due to the need for shielded tunnels and dedicated article holding areas.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable CT scanning system with a conveyor assembly and processor-controlled X-ray emission, allowing for reduced size and increased throughput by suspending radiation emission during article movement and using modular components to eliminate the need for shielded tunnels and dedicated holding areas, with sensors to manage radiation exposure and conveyor segments for efficient article handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional CT scanning systems are used, then security scanning capability is provided, but the system size is too large for smaller spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a scanner module, conveyor assembly, and control system that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to be scaled and adapted to different space constraints while maintaining core scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional linear tunnel-based scanning to a more compact three-dimensional arrangement where the scanner can operate in a reduced footprint by utilizing vertical space and reconfigurable geometry, thereby reducing the horizontal footprint required for deployment.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional CT scanning systems with constant radiation are used, then continuous scanning capability is provided, but the radiation shielding area required is much larger
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source operates in periodic cycles, emitting radiation only during the brief intervals when articles are positioned in the scanning zone. The system suspends radiation emission during article loading and unloading, and activates it only when needed for actual scanning, thereby dramatically reducing the required shielding area while maintaining scanning throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor assembly positions articles in advance within the scanning zone before radiation emission begins. Sensors detect article presence and trigger radiation activation at the optimal moment, ensuring radiation is emitted only when articles are properly positioned, eliminating the need for continuous radiation and extensive shielding.
3Length of stationary object
If conventional scanning systems with dedicated holding areas are used, then article processing capability is provided, but the system length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the article holding function with the scanning function by using the same conveyor assembly and scanning zone for both purposes. Articles are held and processed within the compact scanner boundaries rather than requiring separate dedicated holding areas, thereby reducing overall system length while maintaining processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor assembly serves multiple functions: it transports articles, positions them for scanning, holds them during radiation emission, and facilitates their removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated holding areas and reduces the overall system length required for article processing.
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 system achieves a reduced footprint and enhanced security in smaller spaces with improved throughput by coordinating X-ray emission with article movement and using separately controllable conveyor segments to hold articles in shielded tunnels, allowing for continuous scanning and reduced system length.
Implementation Method 1
Systems used in article screening may use X-rays to scan articles
Implementation Method 2
control the scanner to suspend radiation emission while the conveyor assembly is moving the at least one article
Data Source
AI summary
Scanning systems and related methods are provided. The scanning systems and methods may be computed tomography (CT) based scanning systems and methods. According to some aspects, the scanning systems have a reduced size compared to conventional scanning systems and may have similar throughput to some conventional scanning systems. According to some aspects, the scanning systems are reconfigurable into at least two scanning arrangements. Reduced size and/or reconfigurable scanning systems can allow an operator to dispose a scanning system in an environment that would not accommodate a conventional scanning system. Accordingly, the scanning systems described herein can provide enhanced security in some environments.