X-Ray Backscatter Collimator Alignment for Lower Energy Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray backscatter systems waste up to 90% of energy due to the remoteness of the x-ray collimating device and the circular shape of the x-ray emission, leading to inefficiencies in part inspection.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray backscatter system includes an x-ray source with a cathode and anode that generates an uncollimated x-ray emission, which is collimated using a collimator ring with emission apertures and a detection aperture, and an x-ray intensity sensor to adjust the position of the emission relative to the apertures for optimal alignment, reducing energy waste and improving inspection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the x-ray collimating device is positioned remotely from the x-ray emission source, then the system structure is simplified, but energy waste increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collimator with the x-ray emission source by positioning the collimator at the focal spot of the x-ray tube, merging two previously separate components into an integrated assembly. This eliminates the need for remote positioning while reducing energy waste through optimized geometric alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an alignment mechanism as an intermediary component that precisely positions the collimator relative to the x-ray emission source. This intermediary device enables accurate geometric alignment while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the x-ray emission is circular in shape, then the emission pattern is uniform, but alignment with collimating apertures becomes difficult and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the circular x-ray emission pattern into an elliptical shape by introducing asymmetric focusing elements. This asymmetric transformation enables better alignment with the collimating apertures while maintaining controlled emission characteristics, thereby improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different focusing properties to different regions of the x-ray emission. By creating an elliptical emission pattern with specific focal characteristics in certain directions, the system optimizes local emission quality to match the collimator aperture geometry.
3Ease of manufacture
If the collimator is positioned remotely from the x-ray source, then installation is easier, but the x-ray beam flux through the apertures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the collimator with the x-ray emission source assembly, creating an integrated unit that maximizes x-ray beam flux through optimal geometric alignment while simplifying installation as a single assembly rather than separate remote components.
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 reduces energy waste, lowers system complexity and cost, and enhances portability while maintaining high-quality inspections by aligning the peak intensity of the x-ray emission with the collimating apertures, resulting in a more efficient x-ray beam flux.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode that is selectively operable to generate an electron emission
Implementation Method 2
an anode that is configured to receive the electron emission from the cathode and to convert the electron emission into an uncollimated x-ray emission
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray intensity sensor that is fixed to the x-ray collimator over the detection aperture such that any portion of the uncollimated x-ray emission collimated into the detection aperture is detected by the x-ray intensity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an x-ray backscatter apparatus for non-destructive inspection of a part. The x-ray backscatter apparatus comprises an x-ray source and an x-ray collimator. The x-ray collimator comprises a plurality of emission apertures and a detection aperture. The x-ray backscatter apparatus further comprises an x-ray intensity sensor that is fixed to the x-ray collimator over the detection aperture such that any portion of an uncollimated x-ray emission collimated into the detection aperture is detected by the x-ray intensity sensor. The x-ray backscatter apparatus additionally comprises an emission alignment adjuster that is operable to adjust a position of the uncollimated x-ray emission relative to the plurality of emission apertures and the detection aperture in response to a position, relative to the detection aperture, of a peak intensity of the uncollimated x-ray emission passing into the detection aperture, detected by the x-ray intensity sensor.