Rotating X-Ray Source-Detector Layout for Faster ROI Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray measurement systems for test objects suffer from long cycle times due to loading, positioning, and access restrictions, limiting their effectiveness in industrial metrology and medical imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray measurement arrangement with a rotatable receptacle apparatus hosting an x-ray source and detector, allowing for continuous rotation and positioning of the test object's region of interest between the source and detector, enabling radiographs to be acquired from multiple directions without the need for a stationary rotary stage or gantry systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary rotary stage is used to rotate the test object during scanning, then the test object can be examined from multiple directions, but the cycle time increases significantly due to loading, door operation, and positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the test object on a stationary rotary stage, the patent inverts the approach by rotating the entire x-ray examination apparatus (source and detector mounted on a rotatable receptacle) around the stationary test object. This eliminates the need for loading doors, rotary stage positioning, and complex synchronization, reducing cycle time while maintaining multi-directional examination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rotary stage and loading door mechanisms from the system. The test object remains stationary on a simple positioning apparatus, while the x-ray source and detector are mounted on a rotatable receptacle that provides all necessary rotational movement for multi-directional scanning
2Ease of operation
If gantry systems with a central opening are used, then x-ray source and detector can rotate about a defined axis, but access to the measurement region is restricted and maximum object diameter is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional gantry configuration by placing the x-ray source and detector on a rotatable receptacle that moves around the object rather than having the object pass through a central opening in a stationary gantry. This provides unrestricted access to large objects and eliminates diameter limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static gantry structure with fixed rotation axis to a dynamic configuration where the x-ray examination apparatus rotates around the object. The rotatable receptacle can accommodate objects of various sizes and shapes without structural constraints
3Device complexity
If the x-ray source and detector are stationary while the test object rotates, then the scanning mechanism is simplified, but positioning accuracy and stability during scanning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the test object under stationary source and detector, the patent rotates the source-detector assembly together on a rigid rotatable receptacle. This maintains fixed relative positions of source and detector while achieving the necessary angular coverage for tomographic reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the x-ray source and detector into a single rotating unit mounted on the rotatable receptacle. This combined configuration maintains precise relative positioning between source and detector while simplifying the overall scanning mechanism compared to independent rotation systems
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
This configuration significantly reduces cycle times, facilitates the examination of large objects, and allows for flexible magnification and resolution settings, making it suitable for in-line quality control in production lines.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray measurement arrangement for examining test objects with x-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
at least one x-ray source and at least one x-ray detector being arranged on the rotatable receptacle apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray measurement arrangement for examining test objects with X-ray radiation includes a rotatable receiving device, an X-ray examination device having at least one X-ray source, and at least one X-ray detector. The at least one X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector are arranged on the rotatable receiving device. The arrangement further includes at least one positioning device configured to arrange at least one predetermined region of interest of a test object in a detection area of the X-ray examination device on an axis of rotation of the rotatable receiving device, between the at least one X-ray source and the at least one X-ray detector and to hold it there during the examination. In addition, a method for examining test objects with X-ray radiation is provided.