Desktop small-angle x-ray scattering apparatus

Abstract

This invention provides a desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device, including a base plate. Two sets of translation tracks are fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate. A detector assembly and a sample stage assembly are respectively installed at both ends of the translation track surface. A radiation assembly is installed on the top surface of the base plate at one end of the translation track. The radiation assembly includes a light source support. A light source support is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate at one end of the translation track. A light source is fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the light source support. A connecting plate is fixedly connected to the middle of one side of the light source. A light source hole is provided in the middle of one side of the connecting plate. A filter unit is fixedly connected inside the light source hole. A collimator is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate. This invention enables small-angle experimental testing through the cooperation of the translation tracks, detector assembly, sample stage assembly, and radiation assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of X-ray scattering technology, specifically to a desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device. Background Technology

[0002] Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a non-destructive testing method that analyzes the nanoscale microstructure of materials by measuring fluctuations in electron density. It can accurately characterize key parameters such as the size distribution, shape, porosity, interfacial states of layered materials, and the aggregated structure of polymers. As an important tool for studying the nanoscale structure of matter, SAXS has been widely applied in materials science, biomedicine, energy storage, and other fields, becoming an indispensable analytical tool.

[0003] Despite the growing importance of SAXS technology, the promotion and application of its equipment still face numerous challenges. The large size, high price, and operational complexity of traditional SAXS instruments limit their widespread adoption in some research and industrial settings. Furthermore, many research institutions and institutes suffer from high costs and low full-function utilization rates in their small-angle X-ray equipment, while also requiring significant maintenance expertise and specialized technical personnel. This supply-demand imbalance directly leads to extreme situations of both "supply falling short of demand" and "supply exceeding demand."

[0004] Currently, SAXS equipment mainly falls into two categories: large-scale facilities based on synchrotron radiation sources and benchtop instruments using laboratory X-ray sources. Synchrotron radiation sources offer advantages in high throughput and collimation, but their reliance on large scientific facilities leads to issues such as limited testing time, long waiting times for users (typically several months), and high testing costs (up to tens of thousands of yuan per experiment). While laboratory-grade SAXS equipment avoids the facility dependence of synchrotron radiation, it still has significant drawbacks. For example, commercial benchtop SAXS systems are generally expensive, and the high degree of customization of core components (such as high-brightness micro-focal-spot X-ray sources, high-precision collimating optical systems, and cryogenic sample stages) makes it difficult to reduce production costs.

[0005] In addition, in pursuit of high resolution, existing equipment often adopts a scattering light path design that is more than 2 meters long, requiring 10-15 square meters of dedicated laboratory space. This severely limits its deployment in ordinary scientific research laboratories, which is a huge economic and technical burden for small and medium-sized research institutions and enterprises.

[0006] In conclusion, while SAXS technology holds significant value in scientific research and industrial applications, the high cost, complexity, and space requirements of its equipment remain major obstacles to its widespread adoption. In the future, developing smaller, lower-cost, and easier-to-operate SAXS devices will help promote the application of this technology in a wider range of fields. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device includes a base plate, a translation track, a detector assembly, a sample stage assembly, and a radiation assembly. The translation track is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate. The detector assembly and the sample stage assembly are mounted on the surface of the translation track. The radiation assembly is mounted on the top surface of the base plate at one end of the translation track. The radiation assembly includes a light source support, a light source, a connecting plate, a filter unit, and a collimator. The light source support is fixedly connected to one end of the translation track. The light source, connecting plate, and collimator are sequentially connected to one side of the light source support. A light source hole is provided through the connecting plate, and a filter unit is fixedly installed inside the hole. A first disk and a second disk are fixedly installed at both ends of the collimator's inner cavity, respectively. A third disk is fixedly connected to one side of the second disk. Pinhole slits are provided at the center of the first, second, and third disks to achieve precise collimation and focusing of the radiation.

[0010] This invention provides a desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0011] 1. This utility model, through modular design and compact layout, shortens the volume of traditional laboratory-grade SAXS equipment from more than 2 meters of scattering light path to less than 1 meter, and reduces the overall equipment footprint from 10-15㎡ to less than 5㎡. The X-ray component adopts a multi-level pinhole slit design, which effectively reduces the X-ray divergence angle through geometric structure optimization, while achieving precise control of the spot size, thereby significantly reducing the equipment space occupied without sacrificing resolution.

[0012] 2. The sample stage assembly adopts a multi-dimensional adjustment design. Through the coordinated action of the moving motor, lifting motor and reciprocating motion motor, the sample can be accurately aligned in three-dimensional space. The T-shaped sample plate is quickly fixed by dovetail groove and spring pin. The sample hole array design supports batch detection of various samples. The single sample replacement time is shortened to less than 30 seconds, which significantly improves the detection efficiency.

[0013] 3. The X-ray assembly filters stray light (such as Cu_Kβ) through a filtering unit, retaining only the pure Cu_Kα beam. At the same time, it effectively shields scattered light using three sets of pinhole slits, reducing the X-ray divergence angle from 0.5° in traditional equipment to below 0.1°. This not only improves the collimation of the beam but also significantly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the scattered signal, enabling the detection accuracy of nanoparticle size to reach ±0.5nm, meeting the needs of high-precision research.

[0014] 4. The detection component adopts a combination design of sliding plate, transverse groove and detector. The distance between the detector and the sample stage can be precisely adjusted by the motion motor and threaded rod. The transverse adjustment range of the detector can reach ±50mm and the longitudinal adjustment range can reach ±30mm, which can adapt to the detection needs of samples with different particle sizes. The detection range covers nanostructures from 0.1nm to 100nm.

[0015] 5. The equipment integrates multiple detection functions, such as sample height adjustment, angle flipping, and spot size control, which can meet the detection needs of various samples such as nanoparticles, layered materials, and porous materials. By adjusting the angle of the sample stage and the position of the detector, it can achieve all-round detection of samples with different particle sizes. The equipment utilization rate has increased from 40% of traditional equipment to more than 80%, effectively solving the contradiction between "functional waste" and "supply and demand imbalance". Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the X-ray assembly of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional structural diagram of the X-ray assembly of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall and partial enlarged structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component structure of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sample stage assembly structure of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the sample stage assembly of this utility model;

[0025] The figure shows: 1. Base plate; 2. Translation track; 3. Detection assembly; 31. Sliding plate; 32. T-shaped column; 33. Horizontal groove; 34. Horizontal plate; 35. Detector; 36. Motion motor; 37. First threaded rod; 38. First moving block; 4. Sample stage assembly; 41. Horizontal plate; 42. Auxiliary track; 43. Auxiliary plate; 44. Angle motor; 45. Square box; 46. Reciprocating motion motor; 47. Reciprocating lead screw; 48. Moving motor; 49. Second threaded rod; 410 411. Second moving block; 412. Vertical track; 413. Lifting motor; 414. Lifting threaded rod; 415. Lifting plate; 416. Tilting motor; 417. Tilting table; 418. Dovetail groove; 419. T-shaped sample plate; 420. Sample hole; 5. Spring pin; 51. X-ray assembly; 52. Light source bracket; 53. Light source; 54. Connecting plate; 55. Light source hole; 56. Filtering unit; 57. Collimator; 58. First disk; 59. Second disk; 50. Third disk. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0027] As an embodiment of this utility model, in order to solve the technical problems in the background art, the following desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device is provided:

[0028] Combination Figure 1 - Figure 8 As shown, it includes: a base plate 1, a translation track 2 fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate 1, two sets of translation tracks 2, a detection component 3 and a sample stage component 4 respectively installed at both ends of the surface of the translation track 2, and a radiation component 5 installed on the top surface of the base plate 1 at one end of the translation track 2; the radiation component 5 includes a light source bracket 51, a light source bracket 51 fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate 1 at one end of the translation track 2, a light source 52 fixedly connected to the upper part of one side of the light source bracket 51, and a light source 52 fixedly connected to the middle part of one side of the light source 52. A connecting plate 53 is fixedly connected. A light source hole 54 is provided in the middle of one side of the connecting plate 53. A filter unit 55 is fixedly connected inside the light source hole 54. A collimating tube 56 is fixedly connected to one side of the connecting plate 53. A first disk 57 and a second disk 58 are fixedly connected to both ends of the inner cavity of the collimating tube 56, respectively. A third disk 59 is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the collimating tube 56 and located on one side of the second disk 58. Pinhole slits are provided in the middle of the first disk 57, the second disk 58 and the third disk 59, respectively.

[0029] It is understandable that the filtering unit 55 filters the light beam emitted by the light source 52 (for example, filtering Cu_Kβ in the light beam and leaving pure Cu_Kα); through the pinhole slits in the first disk 57, the second disk 58 and the third disk 59, not only can stray X-ray light be effectively blocked, but the divergence angle of X-rays can also be greatly reduced through the geometric structure, thereby changing the size of the emitted X-ray spot.

[0030] In this embodiment, the detection component 3 includes a sliding plate 31. The sliding plate 31 is slidably connected to the surface of the translation track 2. A T-shaped column 32 is fixedly connected to the center of the top surface of the sliding plate 31. A transverse groove 33 is provided on the top surface of the T-shaped column 32. A transverse plate 34 is slidably connected within the transverse groove 33 with damping. A detector 35 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the transverse plate 34. The detection component 3 also includes a motion motor 36. The motion motor 36 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate 1 and located between the two sets of translation tracks 2. A first threaded rod 37 is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the motion motor 36. A first moving block 38 is threadedly connected to the surface of the first threaded rod 37. The top surface of the first moving block 38 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the sliding plate 31.

[0031] Understandably, the detector 35 collects the scattered signal refracted by the sample, which facilitates subsequent visualization and sample analysis. The first threaded rod 37 is rotated by the motion motor 36, which facilitates the adjustment of the distance between the detector 35 and the sample stage assembly 4. After adjustment, the detector 35 is then adjusted laterally by the transverse groove 33, so that the detector 35 can collect the scattered signal within a suitable range.

[0032] In one embodiment of this utility model, the proposed sample stage assembly 4 includes a horizontal plate 41, wherein the horizontal plate 41 is slidably connected to the surface of the translation track 2, and auxiliary tracks 42 are fixedly connected to both ends of the top surface of the horizontal plate 41, and auxiliary plates 43 are slidably connected to the surface of the auxiliary tracks 42. An angle motor 44 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the auxiliary plate 43, and a square box 45 is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the angle motor 44. An auxiliary detection component is installed on the top surface of the square box 45, and a reciprocating motion motor 46 is fixedly connected to one end of the top surface of the horizontal plate 41. A reciprocating lead screw 47 is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the reciprocating motion motor 46, and the auxiliary plate 43 is threadedly connected to the surface of the reciprocating lead screw 47.

[0033] Based on the above technical concept, the proposed sample stage assembly 4 also includes a moving motor 48. The moving motor 48 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate 1 and between the two sets of translation tracks 2. The output shaft end of the moving motor 48 is fixedly connected to a second threaded rod 49. The surface of the second threaded rod 49 is threadedly connected to a second moving block 410. One end of the second moving block 410 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the horizontal plate 41.

[0034] In one embodiment of this utility model, the proposed auxiliary detection component includes a vertical track 411. The top surface of the square box 45 is fixedly connected to the vertical track 411. A lifting motor 412 is fixedly connected to the top surface of the vertical track 411. A lifting threaded rod 413 is installed inside the vertical track 411. The output shaft end of the lifting motor 412 is fixedly connected to the lifting threaded rod 413. A lifting plate 414 is threadedly connected to the surface of the lifting threaded rod 413. A flipping motor 415 is fixedly connected to one side of the lifting plate 414. A flipping table 416 is fixedly connected to the output end of the flipping motor 415. A dovetail groove 417 is provided in the middle of the top surface of the flipping table 416. A T-shaped sample plate 418 is inserted into the dovetail groove 417. A sample hole 419 of different diameters is arrayed on one side of the T-shaped sample plate 418. A spring pin 420 is installed on one side of the flipping table 416 and at one end of the dovetail groove 417.

[0035] It is understandable that the sample can be fixed by the porous T-shaped sample plate 418, which facilitates subsequent testing. In practice, the sample on the T-shaped sample plate 418 and the X-ray assembly 5 are adjusted to the same horizontal line by the cooperation of the moving motor 48, the lifting motor 412 and the reciprocating motor 46, so as to ensure that the light emitted later can irradiate the sample for subsequent testing.

[0036] Working principle and usage process of this utility model:

[0037] In use: The operator places the sample to be tested into the sample box, and then fixes it in the corresponding hole on the T-shaped sample plate 418 to install the sample box. The pin in the moving spring pin 420 is moved so that the pin no longer blocks one end of the dovetail groove 417. The operator inserts one end of the T-shaped sample plate 418 into the dovetail groove 417 and releases the pin. The pin is reset under the action of the damping spring. After it is reset, the T-shaped sample plate 418 is limited and fixed in the dovetail groove 417 by the spring pin 420.

[0038] To ensure that the sample on the T-shaped sample plate 418 is on the same horizontal line as the emitted light, firstly, the lifting motor 412 needs to be started, which will drive the lifting threaded rod 413 to rotate, thereby adjusting the height of the T-shaped sample plate 418. After the height is adjusted, the reciprocating motion motor 46 is started, which drives the reciprocating lead screw 47 to rotate, adjusting the front and rear position of the T-shaped sample plate 418 to ensure that the sample and the emitted light are on the same horizontal line.

[0039] During testing, the moving motor 48 is activated, which drives the second threaded rod 49 to rotate, thereby adjusting the distance between the T-shaped sample plate 418 and the X-ray assembly 5.

[0040] The light source 52 in the X-ray assembly 5 starts working and emits X-rays that irradiate the filter unit 55. The filter unit 55 filters out the Cu-Kβ rays in the X-rays and leaves out the pure Cu-Kα rays. The filtered rays then pass through the pinhole slits in the first disk 57, the second disk 58 and the third disk 59 in sequence. The astigmatism in the X-rays is filtered out by the three sets of pinhole slits, and finally a straight X-ray is emitted and irradiates the sample surface.

[0041] Based on the X-rays received by detector 35, the detection distance between detector 35 and T-shaped sample plate 418 is adjusted. Motion motor 36 is started, which drives the first screw 37 to move, thereby adjusting the distance between detector 35 and T-shaped sample plate 418 to receive more X-rays. After adjusting the distance, in order to ensure better reception of refracted light, the operator moves detector 35 left and right, thereby causing detector 35 and T-shaped sample plate 418 to be misaligned, so as to know the refraction angle.

[0042] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0043] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device, characterized in that: It includes a base plate (1), a translation track (2), a detection assembly (3), a sample stage assembly (4), and a radiation assembly (5); The bottom plate (1) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the translation track (2), and the surface of the translation track (2) is respectively equipped with a detection component (3) and a sample stage component (4). The top surface of the bottom plate (1) and one end of the translation track (2) are equipped with a radiation component (5). The X-ray assembly (5) includes a light source bracket (51), a light source (52), a connecting plate (53), a filtering unit (55), and a collimating tube (56). The light source bracket (51) is fixedly connected to one end of the translation track (2). The light source bracket (51) is connected to the light source (52), the connecting plate (53), and the collimating tube (56) in sequence on one side. A light source hole (54) is provided through the connecting plate (53). The filtering unit (55) is fixedly installed in the hole. The first disk (57) and the second disk (58) are fixedly installed at both ends of the inner cavity of the collimating tube (56). A third disk (59) is fixedly connected to one side of the second disk (58). Pinhole slits are opened at the center of the first disk (57), the second disk (58), and the third disk (59) to achieve precise collimation and focusing of the X-ray.

2. The desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection component (3) includes a sliding plate (31), a T-shaped column (32) and a transverse groove (33). The sliding plate (31) is slidably connected to the surface of the translation track (2). The T-shaped column (32) is fixedly connected to the middle of the top surface of the sliding plate (31). The top surface of the T-shaped column (32) is provided with transverse grooves (33). The transverse plate (34) is slidably connected in the transverse groove (33) with damping. The top surface of the transverse plate (34) is fixedly connected with a detector (35).

3. The desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The detection component (3) also includes a motion motor (36). The motion motor (36) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate (1) and between the two sets of translation tracks (2). The output shaft end of the motion motor (36) is fixedly connected to a first threaded rod (37). The surface of the first threaded rod (37) is threadedly connected to a first moving block (38). The top surface of the first moving block (38) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the sliding plate (31).

4. The desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sample stage assembly (4) includes a horizontal plate (41), an auxiliary rail (42), and an auxiliary plate (43). The horizontal plate (41) is slidably connected to the surface of the translation rail (2). The auxiliary rail (42) is fixedly connected to both ends of the top surface of the horizontal plate (41). The auxiliary plate (43) is slidably connected to the surface of the auxiliary rail (42). An angle motor (44) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the auxiliary plate (43). A square box (45) is fixedly connected to the angle motor (44). An auxiliary detection component is installed on the top surface of the square box (45). A reciprocating motor (46) is fixedly connected to one end of the top surface of the horizontal plate (41). A reciprocating lead screw (47) is fixedly connected to the output shaft end of the reciprocating motor (46). The auxiliary plate (43) is threadedly connected to the surface of the reciprocating lead screw (47).

5. The desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample stage assembly (4) also includes a moving motor (48). The moving motor (48) is fixedly connected to the top surface of the base plate (1) and between the two sets of translation tracks (2). The output shaft end of the moving motor (48) is fixedly connected to a second threaded rod (49). The surface of the second threaded rod (49) is threadedly connected to a second moving block (410). One end of the second moving block (410) is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the horizontal plate (41).

6. The desktop small-angle X-ray scattering device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The auxiliary detection components include a vertical track (411), a lifting motor (412), a lifting threaded rod (413), a lifting plate (414), a tilting motor (415), and a tilting table (416). The top surface of the square box (45) is fixedly connected to the vertical track (411). The lifting motor (412) is installed on the top of the vertical track (411), and precise vertical displacement control is achieved through the lifting threaded rod (413). The lifting plate (414) is threadedly connected to the surface of the lifting threaded rod (413). A flip motor (415) is integrated on one side of the plate (414). The motor output drives the flip stage (416) to achieve multi-angle adjustment of the sample. The top surface of the flip stage (416) is provided with a dovetail groove (417) for inserting the T-shaped sample plate (418). The T-shaped sample plate (418) has sample holes (419) of different diameters arranged in an array on one side to meet diverse detection needs. A spring pin (420) is installed at one end of the dovetail groove (417) to achieve quick locking and releasing of the T-shaped sample plate (418).

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