X-ray Apparatus for Localized Liquid Volume Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray apparatuses are unable to accurately measure the volume of a minute amount of liquid present locally within a container, as they only detect liquid levels when the liquid is uniformly distributed across the container.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray apparatus that irradiates X-rays from above or below a container and uses an imaging unit to obtain image data based on transmitted X-rays, with a substance quantity calculating unit processing this data to determine the quantity of the substance present, allowing for the measurement of both overall liquid levels and locally present minute amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-rays are irradiated horizontally with respect to the liquid surface, then the liquid level can be detected, but only in the case of liquid having a constant liquid level in the entire container and minute amount of locally present liquid cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the irradiation direction from horizontal to vertical (from above or below the container). This dimensional change allows X-rays to pass through the entire height of the container, enabling detection of both uniform liquid levels and localized minute amounts of liquid that were previously undetectable with horizontal irradiation.
2Device complexity
If X-ray irradiation is performed horizontally, then the apparatus structure is simple, but measurement of minute amount of substance locally present is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
By irradiating X-rays from above or below the container rather than horizontally, the patent achieves comprehensive measurement capability for both uniform and localized substances. This vertical irradiation approach maintains relatively simple apparatus structure while dramatically improving measurement precision and capability.
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
Enables precise measurement of both the liquid level across the entire container and the volume of minute amounts of liquid present locally, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray irradiating unit for irradiating X-rays from above or below a container which contains a substance to be measured; an imaging unit which is disposed so as to face the X-ray irradiating unit with the container between the imaging unit and the X-ray irradiating unit, and which obtains image data on the basis of the transmitted X-rays passing through the container
Data Source
AI summary
This X-ray apparatus for measuring a substance quantity includes: an X-ray irradiating unit for irradiating X-rays from above or below a container which contains a substance to be measured; an imaging unit which is disposed so as to face the X-ray irradiating unit with the container between the imaging unit and the X-ray irradiating unit, and which obtains image data on the basis of the transmitted X-rays passing through the container; and a substance quantity calculating unit which processes the obtained image data and calculates the quantity of the substance to be measured, on the basis of the intensity of the transmitted X-rays for each pixel in the container.