Scanning System Radiation Safety Sensor Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray inspection systems fail to effectively prevent radiation exposure to human body parts entering the scanning zone, despite additional shielding and casings, as they do not have a reliable mechanism to physically prevent or block electromagnetic radiation when human presence is detected.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system with safety sensors, such as opto-electronic devices or light curtains, adjacent to input and output openings that detect invading elements and trigger a signal to physically block or shut off electromagnetic radiation, ensuring that only the object being scanned is exposed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible radiation shielding is used at the entrance and exit of the scanning zone, then objects can pass through freely, but human body parts can enter the scanning zone and be exposed to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical barriers (casings, tunnels, fixed shields) with an opto-electronic detection system and electromagnetic radiation control system. Safety sensors detect invading elements and trigger signals to turn off or block radiation, substituting mechanical prevention with electronic control and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the state of electromagnetic radiation from active to inactive based on sensor detection. When an invading element is detected, the radiation parameter changes from emitting to blocked/turned-off, providing adaptive protection without physical barriers.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional casings or tunnels are added to cover the conveyor and prevent access to the scanning zone, then radiation exposure is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical casings and tunnels by using safety sensors positioned at openings combined with controllable radiation sources. The system uses electronic detection and control mechanisms instead of extensive mechanical shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary mechanical casings and tunnels from the system. By keeping openings accessible while adding sensor-controlled radiation blocking, the patent eliminates complex structural elements that were previously needed for safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If physical barriers are used to prevent human body parts from entering the scanning zone, then radiation exposure is blocked, but ease of operation for loading objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical barriers that would obstruct object loading with non-contact safety sensors. The sensors detect invading elements through optical or electromagnetic fields without requiring physical structures that would impede the loading process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces safety sensors as intermediaries between the external environment and the radiation source. These sensors detect invading elements and mediate the control of radiation emission, allowing free access while preventing exposure through electronic control rather than physical blocking.
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
Prevents accidental radiation exposure by automatically stopping the scan and blocking or turning off electromagnetic radiation when human body parts are detected, enhancing safety without the need for physical barriers like casings or tunnels.
Implementation Method 1
a safety sensor adjacent to the input or output opening that sends a signal that turns off or physically blocks electromagnetic radiation if the presence of an invading element is detected by the safety sensor
Implementation Method 2
the first safety sensor comprises an opto-electronic device. In further embodiments, the first safety sensor comprises a light curtain
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention provides system, devices, and methods for scanning an object while avoiding radiation exposure. For example, the present invention provides systems comprising a scanning device with input and output openings, and a safety sensor adjacent to the input or output opening that sends a signal that turns off or physically blocks electromagnetic radiation if the presence of an invading element (e.g., human hand) is detected by the safety sensor.