Laue Turntable Alignment for High-Throughput Crystal Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Laue systems for measuring crystal orientation of turbine components are inefficient and costly due to the need for individual placement and testing of each component, and robotic solutions face challenges with complex geometries and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a motorized turntable and X-ray assembly within an enclosure that allows for automated, sequential measurement of multiple crystalline samples by aligning a collimated X-ray beam with predefined measuring positions, enabling remote displacement along multiple axes and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual placement and testing of each turbine component is performed in existing Laue systems, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement process into discrete positions on a turntable, with multiple samples arranged at predetermined positions. Each position is measured sequentially by the X-ray assembly, enabling parallel preparation of samples while maintaining individual measurement precision. This segmentation allows batch processing without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple crystalline samples are pre-positioned on the turntable at predetermined positions before the measurement sequence begins. The turntable is loaded with samples in advance, and the system automatically sequences the measurement of each position, eliminating the need for manual repositioning during the measurement process and significantly improving throughput.
2Ease of operation
If robotic arms are used to automatically grip turbine components, then manual operation time is reduced, but system cost and design complexity increase due to complex geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static robotic gripping mechanisms with a dynamic turntable-based approach. Samples are placed on a rotating platform that brings each sample into the measurement position sequentially. This dynamic positioning system is simpler to design and implement than robotic arms, as it uses a single rotational degree of freedom instead of multiple articulated joints and complex control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic arms with high payload capacity are used to handle turbine components, then sample handling capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The turntable is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different sample types and geometries through standardized positioning features. The same turntable mechanism handles all samples regardless of their specific characteristics, eliminating the need for specialized robotic grippers designed for particular component types. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining versatility.
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 rapid and cost-effective crystal orientation measurement of multiple turbine components without manual repositioning, reducing measurement time and cost while maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Laue diffraction is used to measure crystal orientation. One difference between a Laue instrument and a traditional powder diffractometer is that polychromatic radiation (e.g., Bremsstrahlung radiation) is used instead of a monochromatic beam.
Implementation Method 2
a collimator connected to the X-ray source to generate a collimated X-ray beam, the collimated X-ray beam being directed toward the turntable
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray diffraction apparatus for measuring crystal orientation of crystalline samples is provided. The apparatus comprises a turntable comprising at least one tray; a turntable support platform defining a plane; and a motorized turntable displacement system for remotely displacing the turntable linearly along a first axis parallel to the plane, linearly along a second axis perpendicular to the plane, and rotatably about the second axis; an X-ray assembly provided within the enclosure; and a motorized X-ray assembly displacement system for displacing the X-ray assembly linearly along a third axis, the third axis being parallel to the plane and non-parallel to the first axis; wherein for each one of the crystalline samples, at least one of the motorized turntable displacement system and the motorized X-ray assembly displacement system is actuated to align the collimated X-ray beam with the corresponding measuring position and measure the crystal orientation of the crystalline sample.