Vertical Baffle X-Ray Shielding for Compact Packaging Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation articles processing plants are cumbersome due to the need for horizontal baffles to confine X-rays, which restricts space and limits production rate, especially when integrated into packaging facilities.

Innovation Solution

The vertical arrangement of baffles within the shielded enclosure allows for effective containment of X-rays while minimizing the installation's footprint, enabling efficient passage of containers through the use of transversely extending partitions and a transport device that facilitates container handling and processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If horizontal baffles are used to confine X-rays, then operator protection is ensured, but the installation becomes cumbersome and occupies large ground space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator protectionVSAvoidground space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal baffle arrangement to vertical baffle arrangement, changing the spatial dimension of X-ray confinement. The vertical baffles extend from the floor to the ceiling of the shielded enclosure, confining X-rays in the vertical dimension rather than horizontally, thereby reducing the ground space occupation while maintaining effective operator protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If horizontal baffles with intermediate transfer devices are used, then X-ray containment is achieved, but the production rate is limited and the installation is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray containmentVSAvoidproduction rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging baffles vertically instead of horizontally, the patent creates a compact shielded enclosure that fits within the container transport path without requiring intermediate transfer devices. Containers can move continuously through the vertical baffle structure, eliminating transfer interruptions and improving production rate while maintaining effective X-ray containment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If vertical baffles are used, then the installation footprint is reduced, but the passage configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation footprintVSAvoidpassage configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vertical baffles are segmented into multiple sections with openings at different heights. The passage is divided into multiple levels (upper passage and lower passage) separated by the vertical baffles. This segmentation allows containers to pass through at appropriate heights while maintaining effective X-ray shielding, reducing the overall footprint without excessive complexity.

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 ensures operator safety while reducing the physical size of the installation, allowing for higher production rates and easier integration into packaging facilities by optimizing the use of space and container handling.

Implementation Method 1

The radiation transmitter 3 provides an electronic bombardment here

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectronic bombardment: Electron Beam

Implementation Method 2

the X-rays produced in the transmitter environment bounce against the walls of the armored enclosure and the armored internal partitions a sufficient number of times for having lost the essence of their energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption and scattering: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3003405B1Equipment for treating items by means of electronic bombardment
Publication Date: 2021.05.19 SERAC GROUP SAS
  • EP3003405B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to equipment for treating items by means of radiation, including a frame (1) onto which an item transport device (10) is mounted, a section of which is accommodated in an armored chamber (2) near at least one radiation emitter (3). The chamber comprises a tunnel (40) that includes inner transverse partitions (51, 52, 53, 54) defining a zigzag passage (50) into which a portion of the transport device extends. The partitions are arranged such that the zigzag passage extends along a substantially vertical plane. The application also discloses equipment for packing a material into containers, which comprises such treatment equipment.