Rotational Collimator X-ray Imaging System for Large Object Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging systems for vehicle and structure maintenance are labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for frequent reorientation and disassembly, which increases maintenance cycle time and downtime, especially when inspecting large or complex objects.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system with a rotational collimator and linear movement capabilities, allowing the X-ray tube to rotate and move without tools, combined with a track unit for enhanced mobility, enabling continuous inspection without disassembly and reducing labor requirements by keeping the high voltage power cable connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the X-ray system requires continuous reorientation to inspect objects larger than the field of view, then complete object coverage is achieved, but labor intensive tooling operations and maintenance time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the X-ray tube and detector assembly rotatable and translatable rather than fixed. The rotatable assembly can rotate about a central axis to change the angular field of view, and the translateable assembly can move linearly along rails to cover different linear portions of the object. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for disassembly and reassembly during inspection, allowing continuous imaging of large objects without tooling operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the high voltage power cable is disconnected from the X-ray tube for repositioning, then system repositioning is possible, but time consuming labor involving cable greasing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a sufficiently long high voltage power cable that can accommodate the entire range of motion of the rotatable and translateable assembly without requiring disconnection. The cable is pre-configured to maintain connection throughout all repositioning operations, eliminating the need for cable greasing and reconnection during maintenance tasks.
3Ease of operation
If multiple personnel are used to move the system physically, then system mobility is achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing manual human effort with an automated drive mechanism. The translateable assembly includes a drive mechanism with a drive wheel that engages with a drive rail to automatically move the rotatable and translateable assembly along the rails. This mechanical automation eliminates the need for multiple personnel to physically move the system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If disassembly and reassembly are performed for transport, then system mobility between locations is achieved, but labor intensive tooling operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the X-ray imaging system into modular components: a stationary assembly containing the control system and power supply, and a translateable assembly containing the X-ray tube and detector array mounted on rotatable and translateable mechanisms. This modular segmentation allows the translateable assembly to be easily detached from the stationary assembly for transport without requiring complex tooling operations, while maintaining all necessary electrical connections through the extended power cable.
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 solution significantly reduces assembly and operational tooling requirements, enhances mobility, and minimizes downtime by allowing efficient rotation and linear movement of the X-ray field of view, thereby improving maintenance efficiency and reducing lost profits from extended vehicle downtime.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray tube to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a rotational collimator to direct the X-rays at the object. The rotational collimator is rotatable through an angular field of view to project an X-ray field of view on the object
Implementation Method 3
A detector array may receive scattered X-rays to generate the image of the object
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object.