X-Ray Shielding Structure for Stable Article Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray inspection apparatuses face issues with articles being caught or changing posture due to high surface friction of X-ray leakage prevention members, leading to potential damage and foreign matter mixing, and instability in article transport.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a flexible X-ray shielding member with higher impact and abrasion resistance, suspended from the conveying path, and a front member with lower friction, positioned upstream to reduce direct contact and wear, along with regulatory members to maintain optimal positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible X-ray shielding member is used to prevent X-ray leakage, then X-ray leakage prevention is improved, but the member is easily worn down and damaged by contact with articles

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray leakage preventionVSAvoidimpact resistance and abrasion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a flexible X-ray shielding member (with high X-ray absorption capability) and a front member made of metal material (with high impact and abrasion resistance). This composite arrangement allows each component to perform its specialized function: the shielding member prevents X-ray leakage while the metal front member protects it from mechanical damage and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the surface friction of the X-ray shielding member is high to prevent leakage, then X-ray shielding effectiveness is improved, but articles are caught and stop or change posture during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray shielding effectivenessVSAvoidarticle transport stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different surface properties to different parts of the shielding structure. The front member has a low friction coefficient surface that allows articles to pass smoothly, while the X-ray shielding member behind it maintains high X-ray absorption capability. This local differentiation of surface properties resolves the contradiction between shielding effectiveness and transport stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the X-ray shielding member is placed directly in the conveying path to prevent leakage, then X-ray leakage prevention is improved, but the member is in direct contact with articles causing wear and potential foreign matter contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray leakage preventionVSAvoidforeign matter contamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a front member as an intermediary element between the articles and the X-ray shielding member. This front member, made of metal material with high impact and abrasion resistance, serves as a protective barrier that absorbs mechanical contact from articles, thereby preventing direct contact between the articles and the flexible X-ray shielding member and reducing the risk of foreign matter contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces the risk of foreign matter mixing while effectively preventing X-ray leakage and stabilizing article transport by minimizing damage to shielding components.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate the article with X-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray emission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detection unit configured to detect the X-rays transmitted through the article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

a flexible X-ray shielding member configured to prevent the X-rays from leaking from a conveying path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4700377A1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP4700377A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4700377A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4700377A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray inspection apparatus 1 includes: a conveying unit 5 which transports an article G; an X-ray irradiation unit 6 which irradiates the article G, transported to an inspection area 4 by the conveying unit 5, with X-rays; an X-ray detection unit 7 which detects the X-rays transmitted through the article G; an inspection unit 10 which inspects the article G based on a detection result of the X-ray detection unit 7; a flexible X-ray shielding member 60 that prevents the X-rays from leaking from a conveying path 4c to the inspection area and is suspended from the conveying path 4c; and a front member 50 that is disposed on the upstream side of the X-ray shielding member 60 so as to overlap the X-ray shielding member 60 and has higher impact resistance or abrasion resistance than the X-ray shielding member 60.