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Methods and Tools for Systematic Innovation AY20/21 Module B: Inventive Design and Problem Solving (13/1/21) Exercise #1: Scanning lollipops with X-rays An X-ray inspection system checks the presence of foreign bodies inside foodstuff, in order to select and remove non-compliant items. In order to protect the workers and onlookers from X -rays, the device is enclosed in a box -like structure that is internally lined by lead layers. Obviously, the input and output for the items to be inspected cannot be screened in the same way. Such inputs and outputs are configured as rectangular windows that allow the flow of the conveyor belt and, consequently, of the foodstuff. Curtains with fringes, which embed lead layers viable to absorb the X - rays, protect these two windows (input/entrance and output/exit). The external shell of the fringes is usually made of a polymer. The needed flexibility of the fringes does not represent any problem: due to the extreme ductility of the lead; once the item has crossed the input/output, the curtain elements come back to their initial position. However, each object that hits the curtain also wears them out. Due to this wearing mechanism, the fringes are normally replaced once a year, but the substitutions are necessary within few days in specific cases. The items causing the greatest wear are the lollipops , possibly because of the interactions between sugar and the curtain polymer . Arrays of 3 lollipops are carried inside the inspection system, with the sticks being fitted in a supporting structure moved by the conveyor. You are asked to: 1. Analyze the proposed situation with the use of the System Operator in order to identify the mo st convenient problem to be faced to address the above issues; 2. Build a functional model for the…