Multi-Chamber Sample Stage for Automated X-Ray Tomography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray tomography equipment lacks flexibility and modularity, limiting its ability to scan larger parts with varied shapes and is underutilized during off-hours due to reduced staff availability.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray tomography sample changing hardware system comprising a support bracket, mounting arm, and sample stage with multiple chambers and mounting features that allow for vertical stacking and support of diverse part geometries, enabling automated scanning during unattended hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current X-ray tomography equipment is used for scanning uniformly shaped small samples, then high throughput is achieved, but flexibility and modularity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sample stage is segmented into multiple chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be independently configured. Each chamber can hold different sample types or configurations, allowing the system to maintain high throughput by processing multiple samples simultaneously while adapting to various part geometries through selective chamber usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample stage design provides multi-functionality by incorporating multiple chambers with different configurations within a single device. The stage can accommodate uniformly shaped small samples in one chamber while simultaneously handling larger parts with varied shapes in other chambers, making the equipment universally applicable to different sample types without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Extent of automation
If current X-ray tomography equipment is used during second and third shifts, then automated scanning is achieved, but sample changing capacity is limited and equipment sits idle
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample chambers are pre-loaded with different sample types and configurations before the automated scanning sequence begins. During off-hours operation, the system can automatically cycle through multiple sample types without requiring manual intervention for sample changes, maintaining continuous productivity and preventing equipment idle time throughout the automated run.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber sample stage enables continuous useful action by allowing the automated system to process multiple sample types in sequence without interruption. While one chamber is being scanned, the system is prepared to immediately transition to another chamber, eliminating idle periods and maximizing equipment utilization during unattended off-hours operation.
3Device complexity
If sample stage has single chamber configuration, then simple structure is maintained, but capacity for multiple part types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sample stage is divided into multiple discrete chambers (first chamber, second chamber, third chamber) that can be independently designed and configured. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for specific part types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that follows a modular repeating pattern, balancing structural simplicity with increased capacity for multiple part geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray tomography sample changing hardware including a support bracket configured to attach to an X-ray tomography support; a mounting arm attached to the support bracket, the mounting arm having a beam, at least one slot formed in the beam, the at least one slot including a mouth configured to receive a sample stage; the sample stage including a body having an axis with an upper portion and a lower portion axially opposite the upper portion; the lower portion configured to mate with a receiver on a sample manipulator for an X-ray tomography machine; and multiple chambers formed in the body and aligned axially between the upper portion and the lower portion, each of the multiple chambers including a mounting feature configured to support a part within each of the multiple chambers.