X-Ray Test Sample Identification for Contaminant Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contaminant monitoring systems in food production lines face issues with test samples being masked by food products, relying on line-of-sight barcode reading, and failing to detect contaminants in food products due to incorrect system operation, with no assurance that only the correct test samples are used.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus with X-ray-readable identification means, such as a metallic plate with apertures or recesses, securely housed to ensure detection and discrimination by X-rays, allowing for identification and property verification of the contaminant, without relying on line-of-sight reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of inspection objects are inspected in a short period, then productivity is improved, but the inspection apparatus becomes congested and inspection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is divided into multiple independent inspection units (first inspection unit, second inspection unit, etc.), each capable of inspecting objects separately. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple objects simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining individual inspection quality through dedicated inspection resources for each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential inspection (single object at a time) to parallel inspection across multiple spatial dimensions (multiple inspection units operating simultaneously). This dimensional expansion enables the apparatus to handle multiple objects in parallel, resolving the contradiction between throughput and inspection quality.
2Productivity
If multiple inspection objects are inspected simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each inspection unit is designed as a universal module that can inspect various types of objects. The inspection units share common components such as the stage movement mechanism and control system, allowing them to perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having dedicated specialized equipment for each inspection type.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection units are arranged in a nested or modular configuration where smaller inspection modules can be integrated within a larger framework. The stage can hold multiple inspection units in a compact arrangement, allowing the system to scale flexibility without proportionally increasing spatial footprint or structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the inspection apparatus is designed for high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but the inspection speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the inspection function into multiple parallel units, each unit can operate at high precision without compromising overall inspection speed. The segmentation allows each inspection unit to maintain adequate inspection time for high-quality measurement while the collective system achieves high throughput through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inspection units enable continuous inspection operation without idle time between inspections. While one unit is inspecting an object, other units can simultaneously inspect different objects, creating continuous useful action that maintains both high precision (through dedicated inspection time) and high speed (through uninterrupted operation).
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
Ensures accurate detection and verification of test samples, preventing their unnoticed passage through monitoring systems, and ensuring correct operation of contaminant monitoring apparatus by using X-ray scanning to distinguish between contaminant and identification means.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray tube for irradiating the object with x-rays
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A test apparatus (1), for challenging contaminant monitoring apparatus, the test apparatus (1) comprising: contaminant means (3), having a pre-selected property comprising any one or more of the group comprising composition, material, mass, size and/or shape of a contaminant; and identification means (4), for identifying the presence of the contaminant means (3) and/or for identifying the identity of the test apparatus (1); wherein the contaminant means (3) and the identification means (4) are detectable and/or discriminateable by X-rays.