X-ray Inspection System Automatic Aging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray inspection systems require manual operation or complex configurations to perform aging, leading to increased operational trouble and system costs due to the need for dedicated shutter moving members or manual cover operations, which can result in forgotten steps during the aging process.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray inspection system with an X-ray shielding member disposed beside the inspection object's mounting area on the stage, controlled by a unit that moves the X-ray imaging system to an aging position, allowing for automatic and simplified aging without a dedicated shutter moving member, enabling aging at the start or end of inspections or upon operator instruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover formed of lead is manually moved to cover the X-ray emission portion before aging, then X-ray exposure to the detector is prevented, but the operation becomes troublesome and may be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines when aging should be performed based on detection of unused states, and automatically positions the shielding member accordingly. The control unit monitors the X-ray source usage state and autonomously executes the shielding/positioning operations without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-serve the aging protection function.
2Reliability
If a shutter formed of lead is automatically moved to the X-ray emission portion during aging, then X-ray exposure is prevented, but a dedicated shutter moving member such as motor or guide member is required, complicating the system and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The existing moving mechanism designed for normal inspection operations is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both regular inspection positioning and aging-related shielding positioning. The control unit directs this existing mechanism to move the shielding member to appropriate positions based on whether aging or inspection is being performed, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated moving mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of protecting the detector during aging is merged with the existing moving mechanism and shielding member infrastructure. Rather than adding a separate shutter system, the patent combines the aging protection function with the already-present components, integrating multiple functions into existing structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If the X-ray source and X-ray detector are positioned to face each other for aging, then aging can be performed, but X-rays incident on the detector cause sensitivity decrease and lifespan shortening
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector during aging operations. This intermediary blocks the direct path of X-rays from the source to the detector, allowing the source and detector to remain in their facing positions for aging while preventing harmful radiation exposure to the detector.
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 solution allows for automatic and simplified X-ray source aging, reducing operational complexity and costs by integrating an X-ray shielding member within the system, ensuring consistent and efficient aging processes without the need for additional moving components.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray source which is used for the X-ray inspection system includes a filament (a negative electrode) and a target (a positive electrode) to which a high voltage is applied and generates X-rays by causing thermoelectrons emitted from the filament to collide with the target
Implementation Method 2
an X-ray detector such as a flat panel detector or an image intensifier (I.I.) that detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source and passing through the inspection object
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray shielding member that is disposed beside a mounting area of the inspection object on the stage
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray inspection system that can simply and automatically perform aging without separately preparing a shutter moving member including a dedicated motor or a guide member for aging is provided. When power is supplied, a stage moves in X and Y directions by activating a stage moving mechanism, and an X-ray source stops at an aging position below an X-ray shielding plate disposed beside a support plate on the stage. In this state, aging is started. When the aging is ended, an input of an imaging instruction for X-ray imaging is waited for.