Goniometer Head Protrusion for Sample Holder Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatuses face challenges in easily and reproducibly attaching a sample holder with a very small and fragile crystalline sponge to the goniometer head, which is necessary for performing analysis.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features a goniometer head with small protrusion portions that fit into recesses and through-holes of the sample holder, allowing for easy and precise attachment of the sample holder to the goniometer head, even for very small and fragile crystalline sponges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sample holder attachment method is used, then the sample holder can be attached to the goniometer head, but the attachment lacks reproducibility and security for very small and fragile crystalline sponges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment interface is segmented into multiple independent features: a recess portion in the sample holder and a protrusion portion on the goniometer head. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently for its specific function, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion portion of the goniometer head is inserted into the recess portion of the sample holder, creating a nested attachment structure. This nesting ensures that the smaller goniometer head tip is securely contained within the larger sample holder recess, providing both reliability and ease of attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the goniometer head tip is made large enough for easy handling, then ease of operation improves, but it cannot fit inside the recess portion of the sample holder for proper attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidgoniometer head tip size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The goniometer head has different sizes at different locations: the tip portion is small to fit into the recess portion for secure attachment, while the base portion is larger for easy handling and mounting. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between size for handling and size for fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment solution moves from considering only the size of the goniometer head tip in one dimension to considering the dimensional relationship between the tip and recess. The tip fits into the recess along the insertion axis, creating a secure attachment while maintaining compatibility with handling requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If manual attachment methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and attachment reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment mechanism complexityVSAvoidattachment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The protrusion portion automatically fits into the recess portion without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving high precision through the geometry of the components themselves rather than through complex external systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This configuration enables the secure and reproducible attachment of the sample holder to the goniometer head, facilitating quick and easy single-crystal X-ray structure analysis without requiring highly specialized knowledge or precision.

Implementation Method 1

soaking a sample inside the fine pores of the crystalline sponge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray source that generates X-rays; an X-ray irradiation section that irradiates the X-rays to the porous complex crystal; an X-ray detection measurement section that detects and measures X-rays diffracted or scattered by the sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3885745B1Single-crystal x-ray structure analysis apparatus and sample holder

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 RIGAKU CORP

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Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

It is enabled to surely attach a sample holder to a goniometer head with good reproducibility in a relatively easy manner, the sample holder holding a porous complex crystal where a single-crystal is soaked. There is provided a single-crystal X-ray structure analysis apparatus that performs a structure analysis of a material, the apparatus comprising a goniometer having a goniometer head 514 to which a sample holder 310 is attached, the sample holder holding a porous complex crystal where a sample is soaked; an X-ray irradiation section that irradiates the X-rays to the porous complex crystal whose position is adjusted with the goniometer head 514, wherein a positioning portion for positioning the sample holder 310 to be attached is formed on a surface of the goniometer head 514, the sample holder 310 being attached onto the surface.