Underwater X-ray Emitter Assembly with Float Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging systems for underwater environments rely on strong gamma-emitting radioactive sources, posing regulatory and safety concerns, and require storage phosphor panels that need to be read at the surface, limiting their application and usability.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained emitter assembly for underwater X-ray imaging that includes a rechargeable power supply, an X-ray emitter, and a control system housed in a pressure-tolerant enclosure, allowing for the generation and emission of X-rays underwater without external power or control connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gamma-emitting radioactive sources are used for underwater X-ray imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but regulatory and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful radioactive gamma source from the imaging system and replaces it with a non-radioactive X-ray emitter. The X-ray generator produces X-rays on-demand through electrical power, eliminating the need for stored radioactive materials while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a rechargeable battery-powered X-ray emitter that can be deployed and retrieved multiple times. Instead of relying on long-lived radioactive sources, the system uses conventional electrical power with finite battery capacity, allowing for controlled, temporary operation without long-term radioactive hazards.
2Reliability
If storage phosphor panels are used for detection, then X-ray detection is achieved, but the system requires surface visits to read images, reducing operational autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of retrieving storage phosphor panels to the surface for reading with an electronic digital imaging system. The detector converts X-rays directly into digital signals that can be transmitted electronically through cables to the surface or processed underwater, eliminating the need for physical panel retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces cable connections as an intermediary medium to transmit image data between the underwater detector and surface equipment. This allows real-time or near-real-time data transfer without requiring the detector itself to be retrieved, maintaining detection capability while improving operational autonomy.
3Reliability
If large conventional systems are deployed, then imaging capability is achieved, but portability and adaptability to different environments are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate, modular components: an X-ray emitter assembly, a detector assembly, and connection cables. This segmentation allows each component to be independently sized and configured for specific applications, enabling deployment in diverse environments from small-scale inspections to large-scale industrial imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs flexible, adjustable mounting structures and cable lengths that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different imaging scenarios. The emitter and detector can be positioned at various distances and angles depending on the target size and depth, providing adaptability across multiple application domains.
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
Enables real-time underwater X-ray imaging with high resolution, reducing logistical challenges and regulatory/safety concerns associated with traditional systems, and allowing for imaging of targets through significant water depths.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray emitter configured to generate X-rays
Implementation Method 2
a detector operable to detect X-rays emitted from the self-contained emitter assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained emitter assembly according to one embodiment is provided to generate and emit X-rays underwater for facilitating X-ray imaging. The self-contained emitter assembly may be operable by a user underwater and may include a float system to provide at least one of neutral buoyancy or negative buoyancy.