Pivoting Trigger Doors for Complete X-Ray Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray screening systems often fail to provide complete images of objects that hang over the edges of the bin, raising concerns for security and safety as they do not reliably image all portions of objects passing through the system.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray inspection device equipped with one or more trigger doors that pivotally move to contact and trigger the sensor, ensuring the X-ray emission tube is activated to capture the entirety of each article, including those extending beyond the bin edges, by positioning the conveyor belt and trigger doors within the inspection chamber to align with the sensor's detection zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional X-ray screening systems use fixed bins for article placement, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but objects hanging over the bin edges are not completely imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the trigger doors movable rather than fixed. The trigger doors pivot between a closed position (blocking the sensor) and an open position (allowing sensor activation). This dynamic mechanism ensures that when an article contacts the trigger door, the door opens and triggers the sensor to activate the X-ray emission tube, thereby capturing the complete image of articles that may hang over bin edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger doors are positioned in advance at the bin edges to detect articles before they reach the sensor. By placing the trigger doors at strategic locations where articles may contact them, the system prepares for potential sensor activation needs. The trigger doors are pre-positioned to open and trigger the sensor when articles are detected, ensuring complete imaging before articles pass through the inspection chamber.
2Reliability
If the X-ray emission tube is continuously activated, then all objects are guaranteed to be imaged, but energy consumption increases and system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the X-ray emission tube only when needed, rather than continuously. The sensor triggers the X-ray emission tube periodically based on article detection. When an article contacts the trigger door and opens it, the sensor detects this change and activates the X-ray emission tube for the duration needed to image the article, then deactivates it when no articles are present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through the sensor to control X-ray emission tube activation. The sensor continuously monitors the trigger door position and provides feedback signals to the control system. When the trigger door opens due to article contact, the sensor sends a signal to activate the X-ray emission tube. When the trigger door returns to the closed position (no article present), the sensor signals to deactivate the tube, optimizing energy usage.
3Reliability
If trigger doors are added to ensure complete imaging, then imaging reliability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the X-ray inspection system into distinct functional modules: the bin for article placement, the trigger doors as separate movable components, the sensor as an independent detection device, and the X-ray emission tube. The trigger doors are segmented from the main housing and can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be produced separately using standard fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger doors serve as intermediaries between the articles and the sensor. Rather than requiring direct contact between articles and the sensor or complex imaging mechanisms, the trigger doors act as mediators that translate article presence into sensor activation signals. This intermediary mechanism uses simple mechanical pivot motion and basic sensor detection, avoiding the need for complex manufacturing while reliably ensuring complete article imaging.
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
Ensures complete X-ray imaging of all objects passing through the system, addressing the limitations of conventional systems by guaranteeing that all portions of objects are imaged, enhancing security and safety by providing comprehensive inspection.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting the presence of an article within the inspection chamber
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray emission tube... Upon activation, the X-ray emission tube can be configured to emit X-rays toward the conveyor belt within the inspection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray inspection device including means for ensuring complete imaging of every article that passes through the X-ray inspection device. Methods of using the X-ray inspection device are also described.