Segmented Lead Curtain for X-ray Security Inspection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray security inspection equipment faces challenges with lead curtains that either fail to shield radiation effectively due to high cost and weight, or allow radiation leakage due to thin curtains, and pose difficulties for smooth object transfer.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray security device employs a lead curtain with a central module and outer modules, where the central module is lighter and has a lower lead equivalent thickness than the outer modules, allowing effective radiation shielding while enabling smooth object passage by ensuring the curtain can be pushed away by objects, and the curtain strips are arranged to prevent radiation leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a lead curtain with high lead equivalent thickness is used, then radiation shielding effectiveness is improved, but the lead curtain becomes heavier and generates greater resistance to transferred objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation shielding effectivenessVSAvoidsmoothness of object transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lead curtain is divided into different regions with different lead equivalent thicknesses: outer modules have greater thickness (3.0-3.5mm) for radiation shielding, while the central module has lesser thickness (2.0-2.5mm) to reduce resistance. This local differentiation allows the curtain to provide adequate radiation protection in areas where operators are present while minimizing resistance in the central object passage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a thin lead curtain is used, then the resistance to transferred objects is reduced, but radiation leakage occurs at the sides of the opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to transferred objectsVSAvoidradiation leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lead curtain employs non-uniform thickness distribution where outer modules have greater thickness (3.0-3.5mm) to prevent radiation leakage to operator areas, while the central module has lesser thickness (2.0-2.5mm) to reduce resistance. This local quality differentiation ensures radiation protection is concentrated where needed while minimizing operational resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a uniform thick lead curtain is used, then radiation shielding is effective, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiation shielding effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The lead curtain uses different lead equivalent thicknesses in different regions: outer modules with 3.0-3.5mm thickness for radiation protection and a central module with 2.0-2.5mm thickness. This local differentiation optimizes material usage, providing adequate radiation shielding where operators are present while reducing material consumption and cost in the central passage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The lead curtain is segmented into multiple modules (outer modules and central module) with different thickness specifications. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each region's thickness based on radiation protection requirements, avoiding the need for uniform high thickness throughout and thereby reducing overall material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively blocks X-rays from reaching operators on either side of the opening while allowing objects to pass smoothly, balancing radiation protection and operational ease.

Implementation Method 1

The lead curtain is hung on the main body and covers the opening... effectively blocks X-rays from reaching operators on either side of the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11761912B2X-ray security device

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)

AI summary

This disclosure is directed to an X-ray security device having a main body, a conveyor, and a lead curtain. The main body has an opening. The conveyor passes through the opening and is disposed on a bottom of the opening. The lead curtain is hung on the main body and covers the opening, the lead curtain has a pair of outer modules and a central module, the pair of outer modules are arranged corresponding to two sides of a transport direction of the conveyor, and the central module is disposed between the outer modules. A lead equivalent thickness of each outer module is larger than a lead equivalent thickness of the central module, and a weight of the central module is less than a weight of each outer module.