Scattered Detector Configuration for X-Ray Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X/Gamma ray container/vehicle inspection systems face challenges with detector configurations, such as array and arc configurations, which result in significant scattering crosstalk and signal weakness due to larger angle differences and distances from the ray source, affecting imaging quality and space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A scattered configuration of detector units is implemented, where each unit is aimed directly at the X/Gamma ray source, arranged on a vertical arm with varying angles based on height, integrating the advantages of array and arc configurations to reduce crosstalk, noise, and detector frame size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If detectors are arranged in an array configuration, then space is saved and folding/transporting is facilitated, but scattering crosstalk among detector units increases due to larger angle differences and gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector frame sizeVSAvoidscattering crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each detector unit is individually oriented with its normal direction pointing toward the ray source, creating local optimization at each detector position. This allows each detector to receive maximum signal while minimizing scattering crosstalk from adjacent detectors, resolving the contradiction between compact array arrangement and crosstalk reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The detector units are arranged in an arc configuration that curves toward the ray source, allowing each detector to maintain an optimal viewing angle. This curved arrangement reduces scattering crosstalk compared to flat arrays while keeping the overall frame size compact through efficient spatial utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If detectors are arranged in an arc configuration, then each detector unit directly faces the beam ray direction, but larger space is occupied and distance from detector to ray source increases causing weak signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoiddetector frame size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The arc radius and detector positioning parameters are optimized to balance two competing requirements: maintaining sufficient distance from the ray source to reduce scattering crosstalk, while minimizing the overall frame size. By carefully selecting the arc radius and detector angles, the system achieves high imaging quality without excessive space occupation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If detectors are positioned farther from the ray source, then scattering crosstalk is reduced, but signal strength decreases causing weak signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattering crosstalkVSAvoidsignal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Each detector unit is individually oriented with its normal direction pointing toward the ray source, creating local optimization at each detector position. This allows each detector to receive maximum signal while minimizing scattering crosstalk from adjacent detectors, resolving the contradiction between compact array arrangement and crosstalk reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The detector assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic optimization of detector angles and positions. This enables the system to adaptively balance signal strength and crosstalk reduction by adjusting detector orientation relative to the ray source based on inspection requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances imaging quality by minimizing scattering crosstalk and noise while saving space and reducing detector arm thickness, resulting in a stronger signal and more compact system.

Implementation Method 1

The X/Gamma ray is received by a high-sensitivity detector array and converted into output signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3029452B1Detectors in scattered configuration for x/gamma ray container/vehicle inspection equipment
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3029452B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3029452B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3029452B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A ray detection system for an X/Gamma ray container/vehicle inspection device, comprising detector modules, is provided. The detector modules are arranged on a detector arm (34), and each detector module comprises one or more detector units (35) arranged in a scattered configuration, wherein each the detector unit in the detector module is installed so as to align with a beam center of a ray source (31), thereby significantly reducing the dimension of a detector frame while improving the imaging quality.