Thermoelectric X-Ray Shield for Compact Inspection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional x-ray inspection devices are hindered by the complexity, size, weight, and cost of compressive or chiller-type cooling systems, limiting their applications and increasing transportation and positioning challenges.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectrically-cooled x-ray shield system with a non-conductive fluid and a thermoelectric cooler surrounding the interior cavity, utilizing lead or lead telluride for x-ray shielding, and a stacked arrangement of thermoelectric coolers to efficiently manage heat and reduce the need for separate cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a compressive or chiller-type cooling system is used to handle heat during x-ray generation, then the heat is effectively removed, but the system complexity, size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the x-ray shielding function with the thermal cooling function into a single integrated component. The thermoelectric cooler serves dual purposes: it shields against x-ray radiation while simultaneously removing heat generated during x-ray operation, eliminating the need for separate shielding and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric cooler is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both radiation shielding and thermal management. By incorporating x-ray absorbing materials into the thermoelectric cooler structure, the system achieves universal functionality with a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If a compressive or chiller-type cooling system is used, then heat is effectively managed, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding and cooling functions are merged into one component, eliminating the weight of separate shielding materials and cooling system components. The thermoelectric cooler structure itself provides shielding, so no additional heavy shielding material is needed.
3Temperature
If a separate cooling system is used, then heat is removed, but the cost and transportation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining shielding and cooling into a single integrated component, the patent reduces manufacturing costs through fewer parts, simplified assembly, and reduced material requirements. The system requires less transportation and positioning equipment due to its compact, integrated design.
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 solution reduces the size, cost, and complexity of x-ray inspection devices, enabling more versatile and efficient x-ray backscatter inspection by effectively dissipating thermal energy while providing x-ray shielding, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooler surrounding the interior cavity and operable to draw heat from the non-conductive fluid
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray cathode within the interior cavity, submerged in the non-conductive fluid, and coupled to the power source
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray anode within the interior cavity, submerged in the non-conductive fluid, and positioned to receive an electron emission from the x-ray cathode to generate an x-ray emission
Implementation Method 4
The x-ray shielding material comprises lead... The x-ray shielding material comprises lead telluride
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system for x-ray backscatter inspection. The system comprises an interior cavity. The system also comprises a non-conductive fluid contained within the interior cavity. The system additionally comprises a power source within the interior cavity and submerged in the non-conductive fluid. The system further comprises an x-ray cathode within the interior cavity, submerged in the non-conductive fluid, and coupled to the power source. The system also comprises an x-ray anode within the interior cavity, submerged in the non-conductive fluid, and positioned to receive an electron emission from the x-ray cathode to generate an x-ray emission. The system additionally comprises a thermoelectric cooler surrounding the interior cavity and operable to draw heat from the non-conductive fluid.