Small-angle neutron scattering portable sample switcher capable of being used for measuring various large samples

Abstract

The utility model discloses a small-angle neutron scattering portable sample switcher capable of being used for measuring various large samples, which belongs to the technical field of neutron scattering, and comprises a sample frame capable of simultaneously accommodating a plurality of large samples and realizing quick replacement through modular design; the high-precision positioning system comprises a laser positioning sensor and a limiting sensor and is used for ensuring accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam; the automatic switching mechanism is used for driving the sample rack to rotate or translate through a servo motor so as to realize rapid switching of samples; the supporting structure comprises a left side vertical supporting plate, a right side vertical supporting plate, a middle vertical supporting plate, a bottom supporting plate and a top fixing plate, and rapid mounting and dismounting in different experiment scenes are facilitated; and the remote control module has a wireless communication function and remotely controls sample switching and experimental parameter setting through a computer or mobile equipment. According to the utility model, the sample replacement efficiency is improved, so that more samples can be treated in one experiment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of neutron scattering technology, especially a portable sample switcher for small-angle neutron scattering of multiple large samples. BACKGROUND

[0002] Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and very small-angle neutron scattering (VSANS) techniques are important means for studying the microstructure of materials and are widely used in the fields of material science, biomedicine, and polymer materials. However, existing sample switching devices have many inconveniences when handling large samples, such as low sample replacement efficiency and difficulty in ensuring sample position accuracy. In addition, existing devices are mostly fixed and cannot meet the portability requirement, limiting their application in different experimental scenarios.

[0003] Thanks to the unique physical properties of neutrons, small-angle neutron scattering methods have been widely used in many fields from basic science to practical applications. Small-angle scattering instruments are usually one of the most demanding and busiest spectrometers in large scientific neutron facilities. There are at least one or more small-angle scattering instruments on each neutron source to meet the large number of experimental needs of users. With the continuous increase in the power of the China Spallation Neutron Source and the increasing flux of the spectrometer, the experimental time of each sample is also correspondingly shortened, and some samples can even be measured in a few minutes. Especially, the number of samples for each experiment is large and the experimental time is short. Moreover, due to the variety of samples, the sample size also varies, resulting in a variety of sample carriers. There is no universal experimental equipment on the spectrometer that can adapt to multiple carriers, which leads to the need to frequently replace various sample holders and positioning, reducing efficiency and increasing labor costs. Some experimental machines consume time, and at this time, a universal high-throughput experimental equipment that can do dozens of samples at a time and is suitable for multiple sample carriers is urgently needed to solve these problems. SUMMARY

[0004] The utility model aims at providing a portable sample switcher for small-angle neutron scattering of multiple large samples to solve the problems raised in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the utility model provides the following technical scheme: a portable sample switcher for small-angle neutron scattering of multiple large samples, comprising:

[0006] The sample holder is made of lightweight high-strength material, can accommodate multiple large samples at the same time, and realizes rapid replacement through modular design;

[0007] The high-precision positioning system contains a laser positioning and limit sensor, which is used to ensure the accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam;

[0008] Automatic switching mechanism, through servo motor drive sample holder rotation or translation, realize the quick switching of sample;

[0009] Supporting structure, including left side vertical support plate, right side vertical support plate, middle vertical support plate, bottom support plate, top fixed plate, design as light weight foldable or detachable structure, facilitate quick installation and disassembly in different experimental scenes;

[0010] Remote control module, equipped with wireless communication function, through computer or mobile device remote control sample switching and experimental parameter setting.

[0011] The preferred sample holder is L-shaped, each sample holder is provided with a threaded hole for installing a neutron absorbing material component on the front surface, and each sample holder has five sample carrier clamping grooves, so that a plurality of types of sample carriers are compatible.

[0012] The preferred high-precision positioning system further comprises a cross-positioning device for position calibration in front of the sample carrier clamping groove, ensuring that the sample center is aligned with the neutron beam.

[0013] The preferred automatic switching mechanism further comprises a three-dimensional motion platform, so that the sample holder can be accurately moved in X, Y and Z directions.

[0014] The preferred supporting structure further comprises a sample holder fixing plate and an intermediate support baffle, and the components are connected through positioning pins and fastening screws to form a stable rectangular frame structure.

[0015] The preferred remote control module supports Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication protocol, allowing users to monitor and adjust experimental conditions in real time through a mobile application.

[0016] The preferred sample carrier is divided into two types: clamping block sample carrier and solution sample carrier, the former needs to be clamped with a sample before being placed in the sample holder clamping groove, and the latter directly places the solution container in the sample carrier or directly in the sample holder clamping groove.

[0017] The preferred sample holder fixing plate is provided with a limiting clamping groove for fixing the sample holder, and different sample modules can be quickly replaced according to experimental requirements.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects and advantages of the present application are:

[0019] The portable sample changer for small-angle neutron scattering, which can be used for various large sample measurements, can accommodate multiple large samples simultaneously by adopting a portable sample holder design, and can be quickly replaced through a modular design. This means that during the experiment, researchers can quickly replace different types of samples without the need for complex disassembly and reinstallation processes. This not only greatly improves the efficiency of sample replacement, but also increases the flexibility of the experiment, allowing more samples to be processed in one experiment.

[0020] Equipped with a high-precision positioning system, including laser positioning and limit sensors, to ensure accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam. This precise positioning capability avoids experimental errors caused by sample position deviation, thereby improving the accuracy of the experimental results. Specifically, the laser positioning system is used to calibrate the position of the sample to align it with the center of the neutron beam, ensuring that each measurement is performed under optimal conditions.

[0021] The automatic switching mechanism drives the sample holder to rotate or translate through a servo motor, achieving rapid sample switching. In addition, the remote control module allows users to remotely control sample switching and experimental parameter settings through a computer or mobile device. These automated functions reduce the need for manual operation, reduce the likelihood of human error, and also improve the overall efficiency of the experiment.

[0022] The portable support structure is designed as a lightweight, foldable or detachable structure, facilitating quick installation and disassembly in different experimental scenarios. This design allows the sample changer to be easily deployed in different laboratory environments, greatly enhancing its adaptability. Whether in a fixed laboratory environment or a temporary research site, the device can be easily used for experiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed in the specific embodiments or prior art description. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings according to these drawings without creative labor.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a structural schematic view of the present application;

[0025] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the sample changer assembly of the present application after disassembly;

[0026] Fig. 3 is a structural schematic view of the combination of the sample changer and the three-dimensional motion platform of the present application.

[0027] MARKED FOR THE DRAWINGS:

[0028] In the figure: 1, left vertical support plate; 2, right vertical support plate; 3, middle vertical support plate; 4, bottom support plate; 5, top fixed plate; 6, sample holder fixed plate; 7, sample holder; 8, middle support baffle; 9, sample carrier; 10, three-dimensional motion platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In the following description, a large number of specific details are given to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present application can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, some technical features known in the art are not described in order not to obscure the present application.

[0030] Unless the direction indicated by the definition alone, the direction mentioned in this paper, such as up, down, left, right, front, back, inside and outside, is based on the direction of the figure shown in the present application, which is described here.

[0031] The present embodiment provides a small-angle neutron scattering portable sample switcher for measuring a variety of large samples. Figs. 1 to 3 The present embodiment provides a small-angle neutron scattering portable sample switcher for measuring a variety of large samples.

[0032] The present embodiment provides a small-angle neutron scattering portable sample switcher for measuring a variety of large samples.

[0033] The sample switcher mainly includes a support structure (one piece of left vertical support plate, one piece of right vertical support plate, one piece of middle vertical support plate, one piece of bottom support plate, one piece of top fixed plate, eight pieces of sample holder fixed plate and one piece of middle support baffle), eight pieces of sample holder, a batch of sample carrier, and a batch of positioning pin and fastening screw. The sample switcher in the present embodiment needs to be installed in the neutron beam platform of the spallation neutron source small-angle spectrometer or the micro-small-angle spectrometer for use.

[0034] The sample switcher in the present embodiment requires precise machining of each component to ensure accuracy. The support structure needs to be assembled first. During the assembly process, positioning pins need to be installed between the contact of the plates to limit and fasten with screws. The sample holder and the sample holder fixed plate are fastened together to form four assemblies, which are inserted into the corresponding limiting slots, and then the limiting screws on the left and right vertical support plates are used to fix the sample holder fixed plate towards the middle, that is, the sample switcher is assembled.

[0035] The positioning process of the sample holder in this embodiment is as follows: after the installation of the entire sample switcher on the three-dimensional moving table of the spectrometer is completed, the cross positioner for sample positioning is placed in the corresponding installation position directly in front of each sample carrier slot, laser positioning and limit sensors are used to ensure accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam, and the laser is made to be positioned on the sample center by moving the three-dimensional moving table.

[0036] Working principle:

[0037] The portable sample switcher for small-angle neutron scattering of various large samples,

[0038] The support structure including the left vertical support plate 1, the right vertical support plate 2, the middle vertical support plate 3, the bottom support plate 4, and the top fixed plate 5 is accurately assembled according to the design drawing, and the components are connected through positioning pins and fastening screws. The sample holder 7 and the sample holder fixing plate 6 are fastened together to form four components, which are then inserted into the corresponding limiting slots, and the sample holder fixing plate is fixed by using the limiting screw.

[0039] According to the experimental requirements, appropriate sample carriers 9 are selected, which can be different types such as clamping block sample carriers or solution sample carriers. For clamping block sample carriers, the samples are first clamped and then placed in the sample holder slot; for solution sample carriers, the solution vessels can be placed in the sample carrier or directly in the sample holder slot. After the installation of the entire sample switcher on the three-dimensional moving table of the spectrometer is completed, the cross positioner for sample positioning is placed in the corresponding installation position directly in front of each sample carrier slot, and the laser positioning system and limit sensors are used to ensure accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam. The laser is made to be positioned on the sample center by moving the three-dimensional moving table 10.

[0040] The servo motor drives the sample holder to rotate or translate, realizing the rapid switching of the sample, so that multiple samples can be measured efficiently in one experiment. The automatic switching mechanism can automatically perform the sample replacement action according to the preset program, or be manually controlled by the operator through the remote control module. The operator can monitor the experimental process in real time and adjust the experimental parameter settings as needed by using a computer or a mobile device equipped with a wireless communication function remote control module. The remote control module supports Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication protocol, which is convenient for flexible operation. The scattering pattern generated by the interaction between the neutron beam and the sample is recorded by the detector, and the information about the microstructure of the sample is obtained after processing.

[0041] After the experiment is completed, the collected data is analyzed to obtain the required research results.

[0042] It has to be noted that, in the present document, the terms "comprising", "including", and "having" should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features but not precluding the presence of one or more other features. It should also be noted that, in the present document, the term "or" should be interpreted as the logical or, i.e. requiring at least one of the presented options to be true.

[0043] While the embodiments of the present application have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and alterations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering that can be used for a variety of large sample measurements, characterized by, The application relates to a neutron irradiation device. The device comprises: a sample holder (7) capable of simultaneously accommodating multiple large samples and achieving rapid replacement through a modular design; a high-precision positioning system containing a laser positioning and limit sensor for ensuring accurate positioning of the sample in the neutron beam; an automatic switching mechanism driven by a servo motor to rotate or translate the sample holder, thereby achieving rapid switching of the sample; a support structure comprising a left vertical support plate (1), a right vertical support plate (2), a middle vertical support plate (3), a bottom support plate (4) and a top fixed plate (5); 2. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 1, characterized in that: a remote control module equipped with wireless communication functions for remotely controlling sample switching and experimental parameter settings through a computer or mobile device.

3. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sample holder (7) is L-shaped, each sample holder (7) is provided with a threaded hole for mounting a neutron absorbing material component on the front face, and each sample holder (7) has five sample carrier clamping grooves, so as to be compatible with multiple types of sample carriers (9).

4. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 3, characterized in that: The high-precision positioning system further comprises a cross-positioning device for position calibration in front of the sample carrier clamping groove, thereby ensuring that the sample center is aligned with the neutron beam.

5. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 4, characterized in that: The automatic switching mechanism further comprises a three-dimensional motion platform (10) to enable the sample holder to move accurately in X, Y and Z directions.

6. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support structure further comprises a sample holder fixing plate (6) and an intermediate support baffle (8), and the components are connected through positioning pins and fastening screws to form a stable rectangular frame structure.

7. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 6, characterized in that: The remote control module supports Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication protocols, allowing users to monitor and adjust experimental conditions in real time through a mobile application.

8. A portable sample changer for small angle neutron scattering of large samples according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample carrier (9) is divided into two types: a clamping block sample carrier and a solution sample carrier. The former needs to be clamped with a sample before being placed in the sample holder clamping groove, and the latter directly places the solution container in the sample carrier or directly in the sample holder clamping groove. The sample holder fixing plate (6) is provided with a limit clamping groove for fixing the sample holder (7) and quickly replacing different sample modules according to experimental requirements.

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