X-Ray Inspection Power Layout for Smaller UPS Backup

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing X-ray inspection apparatuses face issues with increased size and power requirements of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) due to the need to supply power to both the processing unit and the X-ray source during external power failures, leading to potential instability and increased size of the UPS.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray inspection apparatus is designed such that the uninterruptible power supply is only connected to the processing unit, ensuring power is supplied during failures while avoiding connection to the X-ray source, thus preventing unnecessary power supply and size increase of the UPS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the uninterruptible power supply is connected to both the processing unit and the X-ray source to ensure continuous operation during power failures, then the reliability of the inspection system is improved, but the size and power capacity of the uninterruptible power supply increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation during power failureVSAvoidsize of uninterruptible power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power supply system into two separate paths: the uninterruptible power supply is connected only to the control unit and detection unit, while the X-ray source operates independently on external power. This segmentation allows the UPS to be smaller while still providing critical power to the components needed for safe shutdown and data preservation during power failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the X-ray source from the uninterruptible power supply system, removing it from the protected components. This extraction allows the UPS to be sized for only the essential control and detection functions, significantly reducing its size while maintaining reliability for critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If the uninterruptible power supply is connected to the X-ray source to prevent operation interruption during power failures, then the productivity is improved, but the power consumption and size of the uninterruptible power supply increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuity during power failureVSAvoidpower consumption of uninterruptible power supply
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the power consumption responsibilities by assigning the high-power X-ray source to external power supply only, while the low-power control and detection units are covered by the uninterruptible power supply. This segmentation dramatically reduces the power capacity requirements of the UPS.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the X-ray source from the uninterruptible power supply system, removing the largest power consumer from the UPS load. This extraction allows the system to maintain productivity through safe shutdown procedures while keeping UPS power consumption and size manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration effectively suppresses the increase in UPS size by limiting power supply only to essential components, ensuring continuous operation and data recording during power failures without compromising safety or losing inspection information.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray source configured to radiate X-rays to a product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray radiation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detection unit configured to detect X-rays that have penetrated the product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3260848B1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 ISHIDA CO LTD
  • EP3260848B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3260848B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3260848B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray inspection apparatus (1) includes an X-ray source (11) that radiates X-rays to a product, an X-ray detection unit (13) that detects X-rays penetrating the product, and an uninterruptible power supply (15) that supplies electric power during an electric power failure. The uninterruptible power supply (15) is not electrically connected to the X-ray source (11).