Retractable Radiation Attenuation Members for Vehicle Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
High energy radiation exposure during x-ray monitoring at cross-border immigration checkpoints poses health risks and privacy concerns for individuals, and existing solutions such as multiple x-ray sources or shutting off sources during scanning are inefficient or costly.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that uses a control unit to activate attenuation members to block high energy radiation from reaching specific zones within a vehicle or person by analyzing images of the vehicle or person, allowing only necessary areas to be exposed to the radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a higher dosage of x-ray is used for monitoring vehicles with high energy radiation filtering properties, then the scanning effectiveness is improved, but the health risk to drivers and passengers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple zones (cargo zone and passenger zone), and the x-ray radiation is selectively applied to different zones based on their scanning needs. The cargo zone receives high energy radiation for effective scanning, while the passenger zone is protected by attenuation members that block or reduce radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
Attenuation members are introduced as intermediary elements between the x-ray source and the passenger zone. These members selectively absorb or attenuate the x-ray radiation, allowing the system to maintain high scanning effectiveness for cargo while reducing harmful radiation exposure to passengers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple x-ray sources with different energy outputs are used to scan different zones, then the scanning flexibility is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple x-ray sources with different energy characteristics, the system uses a single high energy x-ray source combined with attenuation members that create local variations in radiation exposure. Different zones receive appropriately attenuated radiation levels without requiring multiple specialized sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the radiation parameters (intensity, exposure duration) dynamically by controlling the attenuation members rather than using multiple fixed-energy x-ray sources. This allows flexible adjustment of radiation levels for different zones using a single source.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If x-ray sources are switched off during scanning to protect passengers, then the radiation exposure is reduced, but the scanning time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attenuation members are positioned and configured in advance to protect the passenger zone before the x-ray scanning begins. This preliminary setup allows the x-ray source to remain continuously on while automatically protecting passengers, eliminating the need to switch sources off or wait for energization.
Solution Approach 2:
The x-ray source operates continuously throughout the scanning process without being switched off, maintaining constant productivity. The attenuation members ensure that passenger protection is achieved without interrupting the continuous operation of the x-ray source.
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
Effectively reduces radiation exposure to individuals, allowing for safer and more efficient scanning without the need for multiple x-ray sources or shutting off sources, thereby minimizing health risks and maintaining privacy.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of attenuation members (104) for attenuating high energy radiation in a high energy radiation field (110) emitted from a high energy radiation source (102)
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for attenuating high energy radiation comprises an attenuation member for attenuating high energy radiation in a high energy radiation field emitted from a high energy radiation source towards a subject. A control unit is provided for selectively activating the attenuation member. A method for attenuating high energy radiation is also disclosed. Embodiments include the attenuation member comprising a plurality of retractable radiation attenuation members, the attenuation members being actuated in response to the position of a driver or passengers located in a vehicle to be scanned using high energy radiation. Further embodiments relate to selective shielding of a person from high energy radiation in medical imaging.