X-ray Inspection Detector Speed Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray inspection systems face calibration issues when conveyor speeds vary, leading to inaccurate rejection of objects, as the processing circuitry is calibrated for a fixed speed, resulting in potential waste of acceptable objects or acceptance of sub-standard ones.
Innovation Solution
The system adjusts the accumulation and reset periods of the detector's output to maintain a constant accumulation period, allowing it to accommodate varying conveyor speeds without recalibration, by setting the duration of the output period according to the maximum speed and using a speed determination means to adjust the reset period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor speed is varied to accommodate different production rates, then productivity is improved, but the calibration accuracy of the processing circuitry deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the detector output period based on the actual conveyor speed. The processing circuitry receives speed information from a speed determination means and modifies the detection period accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying conveyor speeds while maintaining accurate calibration. This resolves the contradiction by making the system flexible rather than fixed, so productivity can vary without compromising measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the detector output period is adjusted to match varying conveyor speeds, then adaptability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the speed determination means continuously monitors conveyor speed and provides this information to the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry then adjusts the detector output period based on this feedback. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adapt to speed changes without requiring complex manual reconfiguration or multiple dedicated systems for different speeds.
3Reliability
If the accumulation period is kept constant while varying the total output period, then detection consistency is improved, but the reset period must be dynamically adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The detector output period is segmented into two distinct components: a fixed accumulation period and a variable reset period. The accumulation period remains constant to ensure consistent detection parameters, while the reset period dynamically adjusts to fill the difference between the fixed accumulation period and the total period required to match conveyor speed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain detection reliability while adapting to speed variations.
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 approach ensures accurate processing and rejection of objects regardless of conveyor speed changes, maintaining consistent detection and rejection performance across different speeds, thus preventing unnecessary rejections or acceptances.
Implementation Method 1
A phosphorescent strip is mounted above the photo-diodes within a module and x-rays which are incident upon the phosphorescent strip cause light to be emitted therefrom.
Implementation Method 2
The intensity of the light emitted from the phosphorescent strip is proportional to the amount of x-rays that are incident upon it and the light output is detected by the photo-diodes.
Implementation Method 3
The amount of x-rays reaching the phosphorescent strip will be dependent upon the nature of the object which is passing through the irradiation zone; denser materials such as bone, metal, stone and the like will absorb more x-rays that material such as meat, or other foodstuffs.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An x-ray inspection system (198) arranged to inspect at least one object and comprising: a source of radiation (200) a detector (216), in use, capable of detecting the radiation passing through an irradiation zone (214) and generating a periodic output of data therefrom; processing circuitry arranged to process the output generated by the detector (216); a speed determination means (228) arranged, in use, to determine and output to the processing circuitry the speed at which an object passes the detector (216); wherein the processing circuitry is arranged to vary the period of the output of the detector (216) according to the output from the speed determination means (228). To be accompanied with Figure 4 of the specification when published.