Crystalline Sponge X-Ray Analysis with Easier Sample Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional single-crystal X-ray structure analysis requires fine and precise operations with very small and fragile crystalline sponges, which are difficult to handle and manage, limiting its widespread use and affecting measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatus and method that includes a sample holder with a porous complex crystal, enabling quick, sure, and easy sample soaking, information management, and installation without specialized knowledge, using a sample holder with an applicator and integrated information storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a four-circle diffractometer is used to measure electron density distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron density distribution measurementVSAvoiddiffractometer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary fourth circle from the diffractometer structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through optimized three-circle configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The three-circle diffractometer is designed to perform multiple functions including electron density distribution measurement, structural analysis, and phase determination, replacing the need for a fourth circle while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If single-crystal x-ray analysis is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to crystal growth requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural analysis accuracyVSAvoidcrystal growth period
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary actions by pre-preparing micro-capillaries with suitable substrates and pre-planning the crystal growth conditions, which accelerates the crystal growth process and reduces the overall time required for single-crystal acquisition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses micro-capillaries as intermediary containers that facilitate controlled crystal growth from melt materials, enabling faster crystal formation compared to traditional methods while maintaining crystal quality for precise structural analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional diffraction methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates for electron density distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffraction measurementVSAvoidelectron density distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical diffraction measurement systems with an optimized three-circle diffractometer configuration that uses sophisticated data collection and processing methods to achieve high precision electron density distribution measurements while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates high-yield, efficient, and user-friendly single-crystal X-ray structure analysis, allowing easy management of samples and crystalline sponges, increasing the apparatus' versatility and reducing the risk of damage during handling.

Implementation Method 1

an x-ray tube for irradiating the single crystal with x-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a single crystal to be irradiated by the x-rays and a detector for detecting diffraction patterns of the x-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3885747B1Single-crystal x-ray structural analysis device and method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 RIGAKU CORP
  • EP3885747B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3885747B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3885747B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A user-friendly single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatus for quickly performing a single-crystal X-ray structure analysis using a crystalline sponge and easily making it possible by including managing related information and a method therefor, are provided. There are provided an X-ray source that generates X-rays; a sample holder comprising a porous complex crystal capable of soaking a sample in a plurality of fine pores formed therein; a goniometer that rotationally moves, the sample holder being attached to the goniometer; an X-ray irradiation section that irradiates the X-rays from the X-ray source to the sample held by the sample holder attached to the goniometer; an X-ray detection measurement section that detects and measures X-rays diffracted or scattered by the sample; a structure analysis section that performs a structure analysis of the sample based on the diffracted or scattered X-rays measured by the X-ray detection measurement section; an information acquisition section 600 that acquires invariable information about the porous complex crystal or variable information provided after the sample is soaked therein; and an information storage section 111 that stores the invariable information or the variable information acquired by the information acquisition section 600.