Collapsible Scanning Boom Structure for Variable Scan Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article scanning systems face inefficiencies in space utilization and scanning envelope adjustment due to fixed boom apparatus configurations, which conflict with road safety regulations and vary in size compatibility with scanned articles.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible boom apparatus with movable sections, including a height-adjustable primary upright section and lattice structures, allowing for efficient stowage and deployment configurations that optimize space use and scanning flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the boom apparatus is stowed along the length of the loading platform to meet height requirements, then road safety regulations are complied with, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boom apparatus employs a telescopic mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its length between extended and retracted states. In the retracted state, the boom fits within a compact space on the loading platform, enabling efficient space utilization. When extended, it achieves the necessary height for scanning operations, thus resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic boom apparatus is designed with nested sections that can be stored within each other when not in use. This nesting principle allows the boom to occupy minimal space on the loading platform while maintaining the capability to extend to full operational length, thereby improving space utilization without compromising compliance with road safety regulations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the boom apparatus is made taller to scan larger articles, then scanning capability is improved, but compliance with road safety regulations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic boom can dynamically adjust its height by extending or retracting its sections. When scanning larger articles, the boom extends to provide the necessary clearance and scanning envelope. When not in use or when road safety is a concern, it retracts to a compact height, thus maintaining adaptability for various scanning needs while ensuring compliance with road safety regulations during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The height parameter of the boom apparatus is made variable through the telescopic mechanism. This allows the system to change its vertical dimension according to the scanning requirements - extending to greater heights for larger articles and retracting to lower heights for road safety compliance, thereby resolving the contradiction between scanning capability and regulatory compliance.
3Device complexity
If the scanning envelope is fixed in position, then system structure is simplified, but adaptability to articles of varying sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning envelope is made dynamic through the telescopic boom mechanism. As the boom extends or retracts, the scanning envelope moves and changes size accordingly. This dynamic adjustment allows the scanning envelope to adapt to articles of varying sizes without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable system, thus improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.
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 collapsible boom apparatus efficiently complies with road safety regulations, maximizes vehicle loading space, and optimizes scanning for articles of varying sizes by adjusting its height and configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation emitter module; wherein the radiation detector module is arranged to detect radiation emitted by the radiation emitter module
Implementation Method 2
a radiation detector module arranged to detect radiation emitted by the radiation emitter module
Data Source
AI summary
A boom apparatus for use in an article scanning system comprising: an primary upright section mountable on a vehicle; a lateral section comprising movably connected lateral portions; a secondary upright section comprising movably connected upright portions; and a radiation detector to detect radiation emitted by a radiation emitter; wherein each of the lateral section and the secondary upright section is movable between an extended arrangement and a collapsed arrangement, and the boom apparatus is configurable in: a deployed configuration where both the lateral section and the secondary upright section is in the extended arrangement, and the primary upright section, the lateral section and the secondary upright section define a structure through which an article to be scanned can pass, and a stowed configuration where each of the primary upright section, the lateral section and the secondary upright section in the collapsed arrangement and further each is substantially upright.