Goniometer with Movable Axis for Portable Stress Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable goniometers for measuring residual stresses face challenges with complex and costly cradle structures, fixed measurement distances, potential stumbling issues, and bulkiness, which hinder portability and accuracy in X-ray diffraction measurements.
Innovation Solution
The goniometer employs two linear movements combined with a rotational movement of the measurement head, allowing the axis of rotation to be movable and not coinciding with the measurement point, eliminating the need for a cradle and enabling a freely selectable measurement distance, with a simple design and accurate control using synchronized motors and control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cradle (arc) structure is used for rotational movement, then the measurement head can be tilted to change incident and diffracted beam angles, but the structure becomes complicated and bulky, reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional cradle (arc) structure from the system and replaces it with a robotic arm mechanism. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the complexity and bulkiness while preserving the essential functionality of tilting the measurement head through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cradle (arc) system with a robotic arm system controlled by motors. This substitution transitions from a purely mechanical passive arc structure to an actively controlled robotic mechanism, reducing structural complexity while maintaining tilting capability.
2Ease of operation
If a cradle (arc) structure is used, then rotational movement is achieved, but the measurement distance becomes fixed and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the measurement distance through the robotic arm mechanism. Unlike the fixed measurement distance in cradle systems, the robotic arm allows the measurement head to be positioned at variable distances from the sample, enabling adaptation to different measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm system serves multiple functions: it provides rotational movement for tilting, adjusts measurement distance flexibly, and positions the measurement head in three-dimensional space. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized but limited cradle structure.
3Ease of operation
If a cradle (arc) is placed under the measurement head, then tilting is enabled, but the cradle can stumble on the sample causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the rotational support structure (cradle) under the measurement head as in traditional designs, the patent inverts the approach by using a robotic arm that approaches from above or the side. This inversion eliminates the stumbling problem while maintaining tilting capability through alternative mechanical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base and the measurement head, providing controlled tilting motion without the measurement head or its support directly contacting or approaching the sample surface. This intermediary structure prevents stumbling while enabling precise angular adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If the measurement head is placed under the cradle, then rotational movement is achieved, but the arc size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement head from the traditional position under the cradle and repositions it on the robotic arm. This repositioning eliminates the need for a large arc structure, significantly reducing the device volume and improving portability while maintaining rotational movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the large arc mechanical structure with a compact robotic arm system. This substitution achieves rotational movement with a much smaller footprint, making the device portable and suitable for various measurement environments.
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 solution simplifies the design, enhances accuracy, reduces stumbling risks, and allows for flexible measurement distances, making the device more portable and cost-effective while maintaining high precision in residual stress measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The most common stress measurement method is based on X-ray diffraction, by which the lattice plane distances (d), distances between atoms are measured
Implementation Method 2
Specific lattice planes are measured to many directions compared to the surface normal of the measurement point. Due to the stresses on the sample surface the lattice distance changes as the function of the tilt angle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a goniometer (1) and a method for measuring stresses and characterizing microstructure of particles. The goniometer comprises frame (4), a measurement head (7, 8, 9, 10) movably adapted to the frame (4) by a first linear movement unit (5), second linear movement unit (6) and a tilting movement unit (16), for performing measurement at a measurement point. According to the invention the axis of rotation (12) of the tilting movement unit (16) does not coincide with the measurement point, and the device has means (17) for creating arc-formed movement of the measurement head (7, 8, 9, 10) during the measurement with said movement units (5, 6, 16).