X-ray Imaging Control for Moving Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for imaging inspection of moving objects with high energy rays are costly and have slow response speeds, leading to inefficient inspection times due to mechanical control of high energy ray emission.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a first detecting unit to identify the moving object, a second detecting unit to determine when a part to be shielded has passed through, and a control system to control a scan imaging device that uses a microwave system and electron beam emitting device to rapidly emit X-ray beams after the object and shielded part have been detected, allowing for rapid and safe inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical block plate is used to control the emission of high energy rays, then the device can shield rays when needed, but the response speed is slow and the inspection time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveray shielding controlVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical block plate system with an electronic control system that manages the accelerator's operation states (off-state, warm-up state, and imaging state). This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts and enables faster response to control signals, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable ray shielding and fast response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the accelerator continuously emits high energy rays with constant frequency, then the imaging can be performed, but the inspection time is long and the vehicle inspecting efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by dividing the accelerator operation into distinct states (off-state, warm-up state, and imaging state) that are activated in sequence based on vehicle detection. The accelerator emits high energy rays only during the imaging state when a vehicle is present, rather than continuously, thereby maintaining imaging quality while significantly improving inspection efficiency and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle presence using detection units before activating the accelerator for imaging. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare and activate the accelerator only when needed, optimizing the balance between maintaining reliable imaging and improving overall inspection productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the accelerator is continuously on to ensure imaging capability, then imaging can be performed at any time, but the device cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging availabilityVSAvoiddevice cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic operation of the accelerator with distinct states (off-state, warm-up state, and imaging state), activating the expensive accelerator component only when imaging is actually needed rather than keeping it continuously on. This reduces overall device cost while maintaining reliable imaging capability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The system achieves a 100% inspection ratio with enhanced vehicle passing efficiency, reducing inspection time to under 10 seconds and decreasing device costs, while ensuring driver safety and increasing vehicle inspection capacity to 200 container trucks per hour.

Implementation Method 1

an accelerating device configured to receive microwaves generated from the microwave device to form the microwave electric field for accelerating electron beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave electric field acceleration: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

directing the accelerated electron beams to a targeting to generate X ray beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation through electron impact: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP1970700B1A system and dodging method for imaging and detecting a moving object
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP1970700B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1970700B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1970700B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention discloses a system for imaging inspection of a movable object is provided, comprising: a first detecting unit configured to inspect whether a moving object to be inspected moves into a passage or not; a second detecting unit for inspecting whether a part to be shielded of the moving object passes into the passage or not and generating a passing signal after the first detecting unit inspects that the moving object to be inspected moves into the passage; a scan imaging device for emitting radiating beams for scan inspecting the moving object to be inspected; and a control system for generating a control signal for controlling the emitted radiating beams from the scan imaging device according to the passing signal from the second detecting unit. With the above system thereof, the imaging inspection of the moving object with rapid speed can be undertaken safely and reliably.