X-ray Inspection Apparatus Voltage Control for Image Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspection apparatuses experience a decrease in inspection processing capacity when operating under low voltage conditions due to defects in X-ray transmission images caused by inappropriate X-ray emission.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray inspection apparatus includes a control unit that applies a second voltage higher than the first voltage between the negative and positive poles of the X-ray bulb before or after X-ray radiation, thereby suppressing anomalous discharges and ensuring proper X-ray emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by stationary object

If inspection is continued under low voltage conditions (15-50 kV), then energy consumption is reduced and inspection can be maintained, but defects occur in X-ray transmission images due to inappropriate X-ray emission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit applies high voltage periodically at predetermined intervals during low-voltage operation. This periodic high-voltage application clears surplus electrons from the X-ray bulb without requiring continuous high-voltage operation, thus maintaining low energy consumption while preventing image defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit applies high voltage before starting low-voltage X-ray radiation to prevent surplus electron accumulation. By performing this preparatory action, the system ensures proper X-ray emission during subsequent low-voltage inspection without compromising image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If high voltage is applied continuously to prevent surplus electron accumulation, then image quality is maintained, but inspection processing capacity decreases due to repeated reacquisition needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidinspection processing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous high-voltage application, the system uses periodic high-voltage pulses at predetermined intervals. This approach maintains image quality by clearing surplus electrons periodically while minimizing disruption to inspection workflow and maintaining high processing capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies high voltage only partially (at predetermined intervals) rather than continuously. This partial action is sufficient to clear surplus electrons and maintain image quality without the excessive time loss that would result from continuous high-voltage operation or frequent reacquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If high voltage is applied frequently to clear surplus electrons, then X-ray emission is improved, but inspection processing capacity decreases due to time invasion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray emission stabilityVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit applies high voltage at predetermined intervals rather than frequently or continuously. This periodic timing optimizes the balance between clearing surplus electrons and minimizing time loss, ensuring stable X-ray emission without significantly reducing inspection processing capacity.

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

This solution effectively suppresses the occurrence of defects in X-ray transmission images, maintaining the inspection processing capacity even when operating under low voltage conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray radiator configured to generate X-rays by applying a first voltage between a negative pole and a positive pole in an X-ray bulb and radiate X-rays to a transported article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

when a high voltage is applied between the negative pole and the positive pole, these surplus electrons will strike the target and be expelled from the X-ray bulb

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron acceleration: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentEP4542208A1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4542208A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4542208A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4542208A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes an X-ray radiator 6 configured to generate X-rays by applying a first voltage between a negative pole 57 and a positive pole 56 in an X-ray bulb 50 and radiate X-rays to a transported article G, an X-ray detector 7 configured to detect the X-rays radiated from the X-ray radiator 6, an inspection unit 40 configured to generate an X-ray transmission image based on a detection result of the X-ray detector 7 and inspect the article G, and a control unit 40 configured to change a voltage applied between the negative pole 57 and the positive pole 56. The control unit 40 applies a second voltage higher than the first voltage between the negative pole 57 and the positive pole 56 before starting radiation of X-rays generated by applying the first voltage or after completing radiation of X-rays generated by applying the first voltage.