X-Ray Inspection Window With Spaced Shielding Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspection apparatuses are expensive due to the use of leaded glass or acrylic resin plates for shielding, and there is a demand for a cost-effective solution that allows viewing the inside of the housing without using such materials.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray inspection apparatus with a window and a shielding plate configured from multiple plate-form members disposed at predetermined spacings, allowing viewing through gaps while preventing X-ray leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If leaded glass or acrylic resin plate is used to seal the window for X-ray shielding, then X-ray leakage is prevented, but the apparatus becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray shielding effectivenessVSAvoidapparatus cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding plate is divided into multiple plate-form members (first, second, third plate-form members) arranged at predetermined spacings. Each plate-form member is a separate component that collectively provides X-ray shielding when positioned together, replacing the need for a single continuous leaded glass or resin plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-form members act as intermediary shielding elements positioned between the X-ray source and the external environment. These members intercept scattered X-rays through their strategic positioning and orientation, providing shielding functionality without requiring traditional expensive materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the window is opened for viewing the inside of the housing, then observation is enabled, but X-rays can leak to the outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing capabilityVSAvoidX-ray leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding solution provides localized protection at specific positions where scattered X-rays are most likely to escape through the window. The plate-form members are positioned and oriented to create shielding zones at critical locations while maintaining gaps for viewing, rather than providing uniform shielding across the entire window area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The plate-form members are oriented at specific angles and positioned in three-dimensional space to intercept X-rays traveling in various directions. By utilizing spatial arrangement and angular orientation, the solution creates effective shielding paths while maintaining line-of-sight viewing capability through the gaps between members.

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

3Area of stationary object

If plate-form members are disposed at predetermined spacing to allow viewing, then field of view is improved, but X-ray shielding effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of viewVSAvoidX-ray shielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding system utilizes the dynamic positioning and angular orientation of multiple plate-form members to adaptively shield against scattered X-rays while maintaining viewing capability. The predetermined spacing and orientation create an optimal balance between field of view and shielding effectiveness for the specific application conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 an inexpensive X-ray inspection apparatus that allows viewing the inside of the housing while preventing X-ray leakage, using a shielding plate that intercepts X-rays and adjusts to varying field of view and X-ray scattering.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray shielding plate that shields against the X-rays that leak out through the window of the housing, the plate-form members being disposed at a predetermined spacing on an inner side of the window at positions where X-rays leaking through the window are shielded against

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

Data Source

PatentEP4603828A1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4603828A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603828A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603828A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an inspection apparatus that irradiates articles with X-rays and inspects for cracking and chipping of the articles, a side surface of a housing in which X-rays for inspection are scattered is provided with a window through which an interior can be visually confirmed, and an inner side of the window is provided with an X-ray shielding member that shields against X-rays but allows the inside of the housing to be seen. The shielding member is configured from a plurality of plate-form members, and the plate-form members are disposed at a predetermined spacing on the inner side of the window at positions where X-rays leaking from the window are shielded against.