Goniometer Base Resilient Insert for Cryogenic Rod Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current goniometer bases for X-ray crystallography require time-consuming and costly gluing of crystal holding tool rods, offer limited adjustability, and are prone to rod dislodgement during handling and temperature cycling, leading to inefficient and costly assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A goniometer base with a resilient insert providing a force fit for the crystal holding tool rod, allowing axial and rotational adjustment, and enabling easy replacement without gluing, using materials like stainless steel and copper for compatibility with cryogenic temperatures and repeated temperature cycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy gluing is used to secure the rod in the goniometer base, then the rod is firmly secured and prevents movement during cryogenic operations, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and costly, and the rod cannot be adjusted or easily replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The goniometer base is divided into separate functional components: a base body and a removable rod retaining member. This segmentation allows the rod retaining member to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the base structure, enabling quick rod changes without time-consuming epoxy removal processes while maintaining secure rod retention during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod retaining member transitions from a static permanent bond (epoxy) to a dynamic removable component. This allows the system to adapt between states of secure retention during operation and easy access for replacement or adjustment, resolving the contradiction between firm securing and ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If epoxy gluing is used to secure the rod in the goniometer base, then the rod is firmly secured during handling and temperature cycling, but the crystal alignment precision and reproducibility are limited due to fixed positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The removable rod retaining member enables dynamic adjustment of rod position and orientation before final securing. This allows precise crystal alignment to be achieved and reproduced across multiple installations, while the retaining member maintains stability during handling and temperature cycling through its secure engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod and crystal holder can be pre-aligned and positioned with high precision before being inserted into the retaining member. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the retaining member is attached, the precise alignment is maintained and can be reproduced in future installations without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid epoxy connection is used, then the rod is prevented from moving during goniometer rotation and handling, but the assembly complexity increases and components cannot be easily replaced or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The rod securing mechanism is segmented into a removable retaining member that can be independently handled. This reduces assembly complexity by allowing the retaining member to be separately prepared and attached, avoiding the need for complex epoxy application and curing processes while maintaining position stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a permanent rigid connection to a dynamic removable connection that provides equivalent stability during operation. The retaining member can be easily attached and detached, simplifying assembly and maintenance while ensuring the rod remains stable during goniometer rotation and handling when secured.
4Reliability
If epoxy is used to permanently secure the rod, then the rod remains fixed during cryogenic gas flows and handling, but replacement and adjustment require time-consuming epoxy removal and reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The rod securing system is segmented into a removable retaining member that can be easily detached and replaced. This allows rapid rod replacement without time-consuming epoxy removal, while the retaining member maintains reliable rod fixation during cryogenic operations through its secure engagement design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the retaining member and base is designed to be dynamically reversible, allowing easy removal and replacement of the rod assembly. When secured, the connection provides reliable fixation equivalent to epoxy bonding, but the reversible nature enables quick replacement and adjustment without complex removal procedures.
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
The solution simplifies and reduces the cost of assembling and replacing crystal holding tools, enhances precision and reproducibility of crystal alignment, and ensures secure retention of the rod during X-ray crystallography operations, while allowing for easy adjustment and reuse of components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient insert providing a force fit for the crystal holding tool rod
Implementation Method 2
using materials like stainless steel and copper for compatibility with cryogenic temperatures and repeated temperature cycling
Data Source
AI summary
A goniometer base for X-ray crystallography comprises a magnetic steel part with a cylindrical hole, a compliant cylindrical part that is inserted into this hole, and a cylindrical tube that is press-fit into the hole and holds the compliant part in place, such that when a crystal mounting tool is inserted through the concentric holes in each part, it is positively gripped and held in place at both T=300 K and T=100 K.