GB2631082A

GB2631082A - Deployable and retractable backscatter detector

Info

Publication number: GB2631082A
Application number: GB2308756.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Menival Winfried; Brabant Agathe; Duboc Yohann
Original assignee: Smiths Detection France SAS
Current assignee: Smiths Detection France SAS
Priority date: 2023-06-12
Filing date: 2023-06-12
Publication date: 2024-12-25
Also published as: GB202308756D0

Abstract

A mobile variable-geometry backscatter detection system for inspecting cargo with detector 4 providing scan area 40 and a deployable detector 2 with scan area 20. The system works in two modes one for transportation and one for scanning. The scan area maybe expanded using detector 4 and detector 2. Detector 4 is enclosed in casing 500 and detector 2 is mobile and can be slid (fig.3D) or pivoted (fig.3B) with respect to the casing. The system may be transported using a truck, tractor, or trailer between inspection sites.

Description

DEPLOYABLE AND RETRACTABLE BACKSCATTER DETECTOR

FIELD OF INVENTION

The disclosure relates to a system for detecting ionizing radiation which is backscattered 5 by cargo to be inspected, the system being mobile between inspection sites where inspections of the cargo need to take place.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Some systems detect ionizing radiation which is backscattered by cargo to be inspected.

There are mobile backscatter detection systems placed inside a body of a vehicle, such as a trailer or a motor vehicle, both for transport of the system and for protection of the system from the environment, such that the system can be transported between inspection sites, using public roads.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Aspects of the invention are recited in the independent claims and preferred features are recited in the dependent claims.

These and other aspects, embodiments and examples of the disclosure are also described herein.

PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

Embodiments and examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a top perspective view which schematically represents an example system of the disclosure, with at least one first detector and with at least one second detector in a first, retracted configuration; Figure 2A is a top perspective view which schematically represents a first example system of the disclosure, with at least one second detector in a second, 30 deployed configuration, the at least one second detector being deployed towards a lower part of the system; Figure 2B is a side view which schematically represents a second example system of the disclosure, with at least one second detector in a second, deployed -2 -configuration, the at least one second detector being deployed towards an upper part of the system; Figure 2C is a side view which schematically represents a third example system of the disclosure, with at least one second detector in a second, deployed configuration, 5 the at least one second detector being deployed towards both lateral parts of the system; Figures 3A and 3B schematically represent, respectively, a first example of cross-sections of the first, retracted configuration and of the second, deployed configuration, as viewed in plane III of Figure 2A; Figures 3C and 3D schematically represent, respectively, a second example of 10 cross-sections of the first, retracted configuration and of the second, deployed configuration, as viewed in plane III of Figure 2A; Figures 4A and 4C schematically represent, respectively, a third example of cross-sections of the first, retracted configuration and of the second, deployed configuration, as viewed in plane IV of Figure 2B, Figure 4B showing an intermediate 15 position between the first configuration and the second configuration; Figure 5 schematically represents a fourth example of a cross-section of the second, deployed configuration, as viewed in plane V of Figure 2C; Figure 6 schematically represents an example method of the disclosure.

In the disclosure, similar components or elements bear the same numerical references.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview The present disclosure relates to a mobile backscatter detection system mounted on a 25 vehicle, such as a trailer or a motor vehicle.

The system comprises a casing and a plurality of detectors configured to detect radiation backscattered by cargo to inspect. At least one detector of the plurality of detectors is mobile with respect to the casing of the system.

The system has a first, retracted configuration, wherein the plurality of detectors is 30 configured to define a first area of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect. In the first, retracted configuration, the backscatter detection system may also be transported between inspection sites, e.g., using public roads.

The system further has a second, deployed configuration, wherein the plurality of -3 -detectors is configured to define a second area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the second area being greater than the first area. Because of the second area being greater than the first area, for some examples of inspections of the cargo, the system is preferably in the second, deployed configuration.

In some examples, the backscatter detection system comprises a first set of one or more backscatter detectors which are located in the casing of the vehicle. The backscatter detection system also comprises a second set of one or more backscatter detectors which can operate in at least two configurations.

In a first, folded configuration, the one or more detectors of the second set are unable to detect the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect. In the first, folded configuration of the second set, the system is retracted and compact (for instance the system may be mounted on a conventional van or trailer as non-limiting examples). In the first, folded configuration of the second set, the system is in any event in compliance with road regulations, such that the system may be transported from one inspection site to another inspection site using public roads, even when the system is mounted on a trailer. However and as already stated, in the first, folded configuration of the second set, the system is also configured to detect the radiation backscattered by the cargo on the first area defined by the first set of one or mode detectors.

In a second, expanded configuration, the one or more detectors of the second set are configured to detect radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect. In the second, expanded configuration, some dimensions of the system may have expanded, and the system may not necessarily be in compliance with the road regulations, or the system may have changed categories in its conformity with road limitations, between its expanded configuration and its folded configuration (for instance, the system in its expanded configuration may be compatible with a higher road gauge than that in its folded configuration), or the system may not be able to be towed by a truck or a tractor in cases where the system is mounted on a trailer.

In the second, expanded configuration of the second set, the system is deployed, such that an area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo is greater than an area of detection using only the first set of one or more backscatter detectors, because the radiation backscattered by the cargo is detected by the one or more detectors of both the first and second sets. Quality of a backscatter image of the cargo is enhanced.

In the disclosure, when the one or more detectors of the second set are deployed, e.g., -4 -towards an upper direction and/or a lower direction and/or lateral directions, the one or more detectors of the second set are located closer and located more in front of some respective parts of the cargo, corresponding respectively, e.g., to upper, lower and/or lateral extremities of the cargo. Quality of a backscatter image of the cargo is also enhanced.

After the inspection of the cargo at one inspection site is finished, the second set of one or more can be drawn in back into the retracted configuration so that the system can be transported to another inspection site using public roads.

Detailed description

Figures 1 schematically represents an example system of the disclosure. In Figure 1, a backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle (not shown in the figures) to be mobile between cargo inspection sites. The vehicle may be a trailer or a motor vehicle. In non-limiting examples the motor vehicle can be a car, a van, a lorry, or a train. In cases where the backscatter detection system 1 is mounted on a trailer, the trailer may be removably towed by a truck or tractor, the truck or tractor and the trailer on which the system 1 is mounted being configured to be separated from or attached to each other, as desired by an operator of the system 1.

The backscatter detection system 1 is thus configured to be operated in at least two modes comprising a transportation mode, corresponding to a mode of operation wherein the backscatter detection system 1 is configured to be transported between inspection sites, and an inspection mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to operate to inspect cargo (not shown in the figures), after the backscatter detection system 1 has arrived at an inspection site.

After the backscatter detection system 1 has arrived at the inspection site, in the inspection mode, the backscatter detection system 1 is movable with respect to the cargo. In the inspection mode, the backscatter detection system 1 may remain static with respect to the ground and the cargo may be moved with respect to the ground in an inspection direction. The above mode of operation in the inspection mode is sometimes referred to as a "pass-through" mode of operation. Alternatively, in the inspection mode, the cargo may remain static with respect to the ground and the backscatter detection system 1 may be moved with respect to the ground in the inspection direction, e.g. using the vehicle on which the system 1 is mounted or using an ancillary device to move the -5 -system 1. This mode of operation is sometimes referred to as a "mobile" mode of operation.

In the inspection mode, a source (not shown in the figures) generates a pencil beam of ionizing radiation which irradiates the cargo. To that effect, the source may comprise a 5 tube configured to generate ionizing radiation and a chopper wheel comprising holes drilled in the wheel and surrounding the tube, the chopper wheel being configured to rotate around the tube. The chopper wheel is thus configured to form a rotating collimator of the ionizing radiation. Each of the drilled holes is configured to allow a pencil beam of ionizing radiation to irradiate the cargo. It should be understood that other devices to 10 generate the ionizing radiation may be envisaged. In some examples, the source may be located within the inner space of the casing.

Turning back to Figure 1, the backscatter detection system 1 mainly comprises a casing 5 defining an inner space 500, and at least one first detector 4, located within the inner 15 space 500 of the casing 5.

In the example of Figure 1, the at least one first detector 4 is fixedly located in the inner space 500, such that the at least one first detector 4 cannot be moved with respect to the casing 5 within the inner space 500. However, examples where the at least one first detector may be moved with respect to the casing within the inner space may be envisaged.

The at least one first detector 4 is configured to define a first area 40 of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, after it has been irradiated by the ionizing radiation generated by the source. The first area 40 is contained within and limited by a perimeter 41 around the at least one first detector 4.

In the example of Figure 1, the backscatter detection system 1 comprises 16 first backscatter detectors 4, substantially located in a 4x4 matrix of backscatter detectors, in order to face the cargo to be inspected. In the example of Figure 1, the first area 40 of detection is contained within and limited by the perimeter 41 in dash line around the 16 first detectors 4. The first area 40 represents a maximum surface of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo by the at least one first detector 4. Other numbers of first detectors are envisaged.

As illustrated in the figures, the backscatter detection system 1 also comprises at least one second detector 2. The at least one second detector 2 is mobile with respect to the -6 -casing 5 between at least two configurations, as explained in greater detail below.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, which corresponds to a first, retracted configuration, the at least one second detector 2 is unable to detect any radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, which correspond to a second, deployed configuration, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to detect radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect.

As illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to define at least one additional detection area 20 which, in combination with the first area 40 of detection, is configured to define a second area 60 of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the second area 60 being greater than the first area 40.

As illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the backscatter detection system 1 comprises at least 4 second backscatter detectors 2 (4 second backscatter detectors 2 in Figures 2A and 2B, and 8 second backscatter detectors 2 in Figure 2C), positioned substantially in at least one line or row of 4 backscatter detectors 2 (one substantially horizontal line of 4 second backscatter detectors 2 in Figures 2A and 2B, and two substantially vertical rows of 4 second backscatter detectors 2 in Figure 2C), in order to face the cargo to be inspected. Other numbers of second detectors are envisaged.

In the examples of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, each additional area 20 of detection is contained within and limited by a perimeter 21 shown in dash line around the one or more lines or rows of 4 second detectors 2.

The second area 60 represents a maximum surface of detection of the radiation 25 backscattered by the cargo by both the first detectors 4 and the second detectors 2. The second area 60 of detection substantially corresponds to a sum of the first area 40 and each of the additional areas 20.

As illustrated in Figures 3A to 5, the first area 40 of detection defined by the at least one 30 first detector 4 is substantially parallel to a first detection plane P1.

As illustrated in Figures 3B, 3D, 4C and 5, each additional detection area 20 defined by the at least one second detector 2 is substantially parallel to a second detection plane P2, the second detection plane P2 being substantially parallel to the first detection plane -7 -P1.

As illustrated in Figures 3B, 3D, 4C and 5, the first detection plane P1 is separated from the second detection plane P2 by a distance 6, such that the second detection plane P2 is closer to the cargo (as illustrated in Figures 4C and 5) or further from the cargo (as 5 illustrated in Figures 3B and 3D), compared to the first detection plane P1.

In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the casing 5 has dimensions such that the detection system 1 is in compliance with road regulations in the transportation mode. In the transportation mode, the system 1 may be used on public roads. In order to meet non-limiting examples of road regulations, for example, the casing 5 has dimensions such that once the system 1 is mounted on the vehicle: the system 1 does not extend up to a height higher than 4m above ground; and/or the system 1 does not extend along a width wider than 2.55m; and/or the system 1 does not extend down to a depth lower than 1.2m above ground.

It should be understood that the road regulations depend from country to country and other road regulations constraints to be met are envisaged.

In cases where the system is mounted on a trailer, the casing has dimensions such that 20 the system does not extend down to a depth such that a truck or tractor cannot be attached to the trailer in the transportation mode.

As already stated, in some examples, the casing has dimensions such that the system may be mounted on a conventional van or trailer.

In the disclosure, in the transportation mode of the backscatter detection system 1, the at least one second detector 2 is in the first, retracted configuration.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3C, in the first, retracted configuration, the at least one second detector 2 is located within the inner space 500 of the casing 5, and the system 1 30 is in compliance with road regulations in the transportation mode.

As illustrated in Figures 4A, in the first, retracted configuration, the at least one second detector 2 is located adjacent to the inner space 500 of the casing 5, and the system 1 is also in compliance with road regulations in the transportation mode. -8 -

In the examples illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the at least one second detector 2 is in the second, deployed configuration and not in the transportation mode, and the detection system 1 is not necessarily in compliance with the road regulations.

As illustrated in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, in the second, deployed configuration, the at least one second detector 2 is located outside the inner space 500 of the casing 5. In some examples, in the second, deployed configuration, the width of the system 1 may be wider than the road regulations by the distance 6 (as illustrated in Figures 4C and 5) and/or higher or lower than the road regulations by a distance a (as illustrated in Figures 4C and 3D).

As illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail below, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to be mobile with respect to the casing 5 of the system 1 in a main plane substantially parallel to a vertical plane, the vertical plane being substantially perpendicular to a direction of scan of the cargo. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to be mobile with respect to the casing 5 of the system 1 in a main plane substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, the horizontal plane being substantially parallel to a direction of scan of the cargo.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, in order to move the at least one second detector 2 from the first, retracted configuration illustrated in Figure 3A, to the second, deployed configuration illustrated in Figure 3B, or vice and versa, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to be rotated, such as pursuant to a pivoting movement around hinges and/or pivots of the casing 5.

As illustrated in Figures 3C and 3D, in order to move the at least one second detector 2 from the first, retracted configuration illustrated in Figure 3C, to the second, deployed configuration illustrated in Figure 3D, or vice and versa, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to be translated, such as pursuant to a slide movement along rails of the casing 5.

As illustrated in Figures 4A, 4B and 4C, in order to move the at least one second detector 2 from the first, retracted configuration illustrated in Figure 4A, to the second, deployed configuration illustrated in Figure 4C, the at least one second detector 2 is configured to be first translated, such as pursuant to a slide movement along rails of the casing 5 (as illustrated in Figure 4B) and then to be rotated, such as pursuant to a -9 -pivoting movement around hinges of the casing 5. It should be understood that in other examples, in order to move the at least one second detector from the first, retracted configuration to the second, deployed configuration, the at least one second detector may be configured to be first rotated and then translated.

As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, in the first, retracted configuration, the at least one second detector 4 is housed in a protective housing 3 for protection from the environment, such as rain or projections during transport. The protective housing 3 comprises a lid 31 which can be opened and closed as appropriate. The lid 31 is shown in an open position in Figures 2A and 3B, and in a closed position in Figure 3A. The lid is also in a closed position in the configuration of Figure 1.

The backscatter detection system may further comprise a controller (not shown in the figures) configured to control movement of the at least one second detector from the first, 15 retracted configuration to the second, deployed configuration, or vice and versa.

Figure 6 represents an example method 100 of the disclosure, for operating a backscatter detection system.

The method 100 mainly comprises providing, at S1, a mobile backscatter detection system at an inspection site where inspection of cargo has to take place.

The mobile backscatter detection system may be a system according to any aspect of the present disclosure.

The method 100 further comprises deploying, at S2, at least one detector from the first, retracted configuration into the second, deployed configuration. S2 may comprise deploying the at least one second detector from the first, retracted configuration wherein the at least one second detector is unable to detect the radiation backscattered by the cargo into the second, deployed configuration, so that the at least one second detector is configured to detect radiation backscattered by the cargo.

After inspection of the cargo is finished, the method 100 may further comprise retracting -10 -at S3 the at least one second detector from the second, deployed configuration into the first, retracted configuration, in a transportation mode of the backscatter detection system corresponding to a mode of operation wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between inspection sites, using public roads.

It should be understood that the controller may be present in any of the examples described in conjunction with Figures 2A, 2B and 2C.

A controller have been described but, alternatively or additionally, manual operation, 10 such as deployment and/or folding, of the at least one second detector by the operator of the system is also envisaged.

The examples of Figures 2A, 2B and 2C have been described as separate examples, but it is envisaged any combination of examples comprising second detectors in the lower 15 part as illustrated in Figure 2A and/or in the upper part as illustrated in Figure 2A and/or in the lateral parts as illustrated in Figure 2C.

The backscatter detection system according to the disclosure may be used on its own or in combination with a transmission scanner for high energy radioscopic imaging. In some examples the transmission scanner may be mounted on the same vehicle as the backscatter detection system. In such a case, the backscatter detection system enables to provide a complementary functionality to the high energy radioscopic imaging.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A backscatter detection system configured to be mounted on a vehicle to be mobile between cargo inspection sites, comprising: a casing; a plurality of detectors configured to detect radiation backscattered by cargo to inspect, wherein the plurality of detectors comprises at least one detector configured to be mobile with respect to the casing between at least two configurations, the system having a first, retracted configuration wherein the plurality of detectors is configured to define a first area of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, and a second, deployed configuration wherein the plurality of detectors is configured to define a second area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the second area being greater than the first area.
2. The backscatter detection system of claim 1, wherein: the casing defines an inner space, and the plurality of detectors comprises: at least one first detector, located within the inner space of the casing and configured to define the first area of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by cargo to inspect; and at least one second detector, the at least one second detector being mobile with respect to the casing between at least two configurations comprising: a first, retracted configuration wherein the at least one second detector is unable to detect the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, and a second, deployed configuration wherein the at least one second detector is configured to detect radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the at least one second detector being configured to define at least one additional detection area which, in combination with the first area of detection, is configured to define the second area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the second area being greater than the first area.
3. The backscatter detection system of claim 1 or 2, configured to be operated in at least two modes comprising: an inspection mode, wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to operate to inspect the cargo at an inspection site; and a transportation mode corresponding to a mode of operation wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between inspection sites, wherein, in the transportation mode of the detection system, the system is in the first, retracted configuration.
4. The backscatter detection system of claim 3, wherein the casing has dimensions such that the detection system is in compliance with road regulations in the transportation mode, the detection system not being necessarily in compliance with the road regulations when the system is in the second, deployed configuration.
5. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein, in the second, deployed configuration, the at least one second detector is located outside the inner space of the casing.
6. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein, in the first, 20 retracted configuration, the at least one second detector is located within or adjacent to the inner space of the casing.
7. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the at least one second detector is configured to be mobile with respect to the casing of the system in a 25 main plane substantially parallel to a vertical plane, the vertical plane being substantially perpendicular to a direction of scan of the cargo.
8. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the at least one second detector is configured to be mobile with respect to the casing of the system in a 30 main plane substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, the horizontal plane being substantially parallel to a direction of scan of the cargo.
9. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein, in order to move the at least one second detector from the first, retracted configuration to the second, deployed configuration, the at least one second detector is configured to, in any order: be translated, such as pursuant to a slide movement along rails of the casing, 5 and/or to be rotated, such as pursuant to a pivoting movement around hinges and/or pivots of the casing.
10. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first area of 10 detection defined by the at least one first detector is substantially parallel to a first detection plane, and wherein the additional detection area defined by the at least one second detector is substantially parallel to a second detection plane, the second detection plane being substantially parallel to the first detection plane.
11. The backscatter detection system of the preceding claim, wherein the first detection plane is separated from the second detection plane by a distance, such that the second detection plane is closer to the cargo or further from the cargo, compared to the first detection plane.
12. The backscatter detection system of any of claims 2 to 11, wherein in the first, retracted configuration, the at least one second detector is housed in a protective housing for protection from the environment.
13. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller configured to control movement of at least one of the plurality of detectors from the first, retracted configuration to the second, deployed configuration, or vice and versa.
14. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a source of ionizing radiation for irradiating the cargo to inspect, the source being located within an inner space of the casing.
15. The backscatter detection system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle is a trailer or a motor vehicle.
16. A method of operating a backscatter detection system, the method comprising: providing a backscatter detection system mounted on a vehicle at a cargo inspection site, wherein the backscatter detection system comprises a casing and a plurality of detectors configured to detect radiation backscattered by cargo to inspect, wherein the plurality of detectors comprises at least one detector configured to be mobile 10 with respect to the casing between at least two configurations, the system having a first, retracted configuration wherein the plurality of detectors are configured to define a first area of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, and a second, deployed configuration wherein the plurality of detectors is configured to define a second area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the 15 second area being greater than the first area; and deploying the at least one detector from the first, retracted configuration into the second, deployed configuration.
17. The method of operating a backscatter detection system of the preceding claim, wherein the casing defines an inner space, wherein the plurality of detectors comprises: at least one first detector, located within the inner space of the casing and configured to define the first area of detection for detecting radiation backscattered by cargo to inspect, and at least one second detector, the at least one second detector being mobile with respect to the casing between at least two configurations; and wherein deploying the at least one detector comprises deploying the at least one second detector from a first, retracted configuration wherein the at least one second detector is unable to detect the radiation backscattered by the cargo into a second, deployed configuration, so that the at least one second detector is configured to detect radiation backscattered by the cargo, the at least one second detector being configured to define at least one additional detection area which, in combination with the first area of detection, is configured to define the second area of detection of the radiation backscattered by the cargo to inspect, the second area being greater than the first area, optionally further comprising retracting the at least one second detector from the second, deployed configuration into the first, retracted configuration, in a transportation mode of the backscatter detection system corresponding to a mode of operation wherein the backscatter detection system is configured to be transported between inspection sites.