Segmented Target for Inspection Radiation Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection radiation sources have a large focal spot width, leading to inefficient use of radiation, decreased image penetration, increased radiation safety perimeters, and larger, heavier collimators, which hinder effective cargo inspection and increase radiation safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A target configuration with a first part to absorb or inhibit the electron current and a second part with a smaller width to generate inspection radiation, utilizing materials with different atomic numbers to optimize X-ray intensity and focal spot size, reducing the width of the focal spot and collimator slits, and minimizing radiation safety perimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a large focal spot width is used to generate inspection radiation, then the radiation intensity is sufficient, but the radiation safety perimeters increase and image penetration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with a first width that absorbs electron current, and a second part with a second width smaller than the first width that generates inspection radiation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain sufficient radiation intensity from the second part while reducing the overall focal spot width, thereby decreasing radiation safety perimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the target are assigned different functions and properties: the first part is optimized for absorbing electron current, while the second part is optimized for generating inspection radiation with a smaller focal spot. This local differentiation enables the system to achieve both sufficient radiation intensity and reduced safety perimeters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a large focal spot width is used, then radiation intensity is maintained, but collimator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the target into two parts with different widths and functions, the invention reduces the focal spot width to that of the second part. This reduction allows for the use of smaller and lighter collimators while still maintaining sufficient radiation intensity for inspection purposes.
3Productivity
If a large focal spot width is used, then radiation generation is efficient, but image penetration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented target structure allows the second part to generate inspection radiation with a smaller, more precise focal spot. This improved focal spot precision directly enhances image penetration capability while the first part ensures efficient electron current absorption and energy utilization.
4Length of stationary object
If the second part of the target has a smaller width, then focal spot width is reduced, but radiation intensity may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The second part of the target is specifically optimized with local quality characteristics that maximize X-ray generation efficiency within its smaller width. By concentrating the radiation generation function in this optimized region, the system achieves both reduced focal spot width and maintained or enhanced X-ray intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the target material properties and geometric configuration of the second part to optimize the relationship between focal spot width and X-ray intensity. By carefully controlling parameters such as material composition, density, and dimensional ratios, the system achieves reduced focal spot width without sacrificing radiation intensity.
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 reduces the focal spot width by up to six times, decreases collimator size and weight, lowers radiation dose to cargo, and decreases radiation safety perimeters by 20%, while maintaining or increasing X-ray penetration, thus enhancing inspection efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electron accelerator for generating an electron current
Implementation Method 2
a target configured to generate the inspection radiation, by emitting X-rays in response to the target being exposed to the electron current
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection radiation source is provided. The inspection radiation source includes an electron accelerator for generating an electron current, and a target for the electron current including a first part and a second part. This first part is configured to be at least partly exposed to the electron current on an impact area having a first width in a direction substantially perpendicular to the electron current, and inhibit propagation of the electron current. The second part has a second width in the direction substantially perpendicular to the electron current, the second width of the second part being smaller than the first width of the impact area, the second part being configured to be at least partly exposed to the electron current, and generate inspection radiation by emitting X-rays in response to being exposed to the electron current.