Rolling Radiation Shield for Smooth Small-Object X-Ray Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shielding methods, such as curtains and extended guards, are unsuitable for small and lightweight objects, causing handling issues and increasing machine complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A rolling radiation shield with flexible strips or sheets attached to an axle, connected to a conveyor belt, providing rotational movement and radiation attenuation, allowing for cost-effective handling of small and lightweight objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional radiation shielding curtains are used, then radiation shielding is provided, but small and lightweight objects get stuck or disturbed during imaging and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static radiation shielding curtains with a rolling radiation shield that rotates in sync with the conveyor belt. The shield dynamically adjusts its position to follow the motion of objects, allowing small and lightweight objects to pass through smoothly without getting stuck or disturbed, while maintaining continuous radiation shielding effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extended guards or complex geometric features are used to block line of sight to primary x-ray beams, then radiation shielding is improved, but machine length increases and cost and complexity are significantly added
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling radiation shield uses dynamic rotation synchronized with the conveyor belt to achieve radiation shielding, eliminating the need for extended guards or complex geometric features. This dynamic approach provides effective shielding while maintaining a compact machine structure and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible radiation shielding material wrapped around a rotating drum structure. This flexible shell approach provides effective radiation blocking in a compact form factor, avoiding the need for bulky extended guards or complex geometric shielding structures.
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 rolling radiation shield effectively shields against radiation while accommodating various objects, reducing complexity and cost, and ensuring smooth passage through x-ray machines.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible strips may comprise material which attenuates (e.g., at least partially absorbs, reflects, and/or otherwise at least partially blocks and/or weakens) radiation energy
Implementation Method 2
The rolling radiation shield may be configured for rotational movement with the conveyor belt, such as by frictional engagement with the same
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling radiation shield and related systems and methods for providing radiation shielding at an imaging machine are disclosed. An imaging device is located within a housing which also accommodates a conveyor for moving objects through the housing and within imaging distance of the imagining device. The rolling radiation shield is positioned at an entrance and/or exit to the housing, and may include one or more outer portions which contacts the conveyor to cause rotational movement of the rolling radiation shield when the conveyor is activated and an axle. At least one component of the rolling radiation shield comprises material which attenuates radiation from the imaging machine.