NMR Sample Tube Centering via Gas Bearing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Misalignment of the sample unit's center axis during loading in NMR measurement systems leads to reduced measurement precision and potential collisions with structural objects, as existing technologies do not effectively align the sample unit with the measurement probe's center axis.
Innovation Solution
A gas bearing mechanism that sprays gas from annularly arranged openings orthogonal to the center axis of the passage to align the sample unit's center axis with the passage's center axis during loading and descending processes, utilizing a controller to manage gas flow rates for optimal alignment and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample unit is inserted into the passage during loading without active alignment control, then the loading process is simple, but the center axis of the sample unit becomes misaligned with the center axis of the passage, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gas bearing mechanism that sprays gas from annularly arranged openings orthogonal to the passage center axis. This pneumatic system generates aerodynamic forces to actively align the sample unit's center axis with the passage center axis during loading, achieving high alignment precision without complex mechanical alignment devices
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical alignment mechanisms with a gas bearing-based pneumatic alignment system. The gas bearing mechanism uses sprayed gas to generate alignment forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides or adjustment devices while achieving superior alignment precision
2Reliability
If the sample unit descends without active alignment control, then the descending process is simple, but the sample unit may contact or collide with structural objects, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing mechanism continues to operate during the descending process, spraying gas to maintain aerodynamic support and alignment of the sample unit. This pneumatic support prevents contact with structural objects throughout the descent, ensuring reliability without requiring separate mechanical protection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The gas bearing mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides alignment control during loading, maintains alignment during descending, and prevents collisions with structural objects. This multi-functional approach achieves reliable collision prevention without adding separate protection mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If gas is sprayed from annularly arranged openings orthogonal to the center axis to align the sample unit, then alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the bearing mechanism configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bearing mechanism uses annularly arranged gas openings to spray gas orthogonal to the passage center axis, creating aerodynamic forces that align the sample unit. This pneumatic approach achieves high alignment precision while avoiding complex mechanical alignment structures
Solution Approach 2:
The gas is sprayed from specifically positioned annular openings located at particular radial positions around the passage. This localized gas injection creates targeted aerodynamic forces at critical positions, achieving effective alignment with a relatively simple opening configuration rather than requiring complex mechanisms throughout
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 ensures precise alignment of the sample unit, maintaining measurement precision and preventing collisions, while dynamically varying gas flow rates supports stable positioning during rotation and unloading processes.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing mechanism configured to spray gas toward a passage in which a sample unit including a sample tube is disposed, from around the passage
Implementation Method 2
spraying bearing gas from a plurality of openings annularly arranged around the passage toward the passage from radial directions orthogonal to a center axis of the passage to the sample unit to align a center axis of the sample tube with the center axis of the passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rotation mechanism (24, 108) includes a bearing mechanism (56, 110) and a drive mechanism (62, 112). Prior to loading of a sample unit, bearing gas is supplied to a bearing mechanism (56, 110). In the course of inserting the sample unit (22, 100), bearing gas is sprayed to a surface of the sample tube (52, 102) from around the sample tube to thereby center the sample unit (22, 102).