Object Manipulator for X-ray Inspection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object manipulators for X-ray inspection systems suffer from poor positioning repeatability due to the use of thin, imprecisely manufactured object stage supports that bend under load, leading to unstable and misaligned positioning of test objects.
Innovation Solution
The object manipulator features an object stage with a first linear guide and a second linear guide, allowing for precise movement in two directions. The object stage is detachably connected to the object stage interface via a connecting device with clamping screws and stop mechanisms, ensuring high precision and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin object stage support is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and stability deteriorate due to bending under load and manufacturing imprecision
Solution Approach 1:
The object stage is divided into a support region and an interface region that are spatially separate. The interface region with mounting holes is detached from the thin support structure, allowing the stage to be secured directly to the object stage interface without relying on the thin support for positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface region is extracted from the thin object stage support structure. By separating the mounting interface from the support function, the positioning accuracy is improved since the interface region can be precisely manufactured and directly connected to the object stage interface, while the support region can remain simple and lightweight.
2Ease of manufacture
If pins in holes are used for positioning, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the positioning repeatability deteriorates due to tolerance accumulation and stage movement
Solution Approach 1:
The interface region is pre-designed with mounting holes that precisely align with the object stage interface. The connecting device with clamping screws is used to securely fasten the stage before positioning, preventing any movement during operation and ensuring repeatable positioning across stage changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism transitions from relying on pin-hole tolerance fit to using a clamping connection with adjustable clamping force. The clamping screws allow for precise adjustment and secure tightening, eliminating stage movement and improving positioning repeatability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the object stage support is made more rigid, then the positioning stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The object stage is segmented into a simple support region and a precisely manufactured interface region. The interface region is directly connected to the object stage interface without requiring a rigid support structure, achieving positioning stability through the direct connection and clamping mechanism rather than through support rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid support structure is extracted from the design. Instead of making the entire support rigid, only the interface region requires high precision, while the support region can remain simple and flexible, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining positioning stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An object manipulator for an X-ray inspection system is disclosed. The object manipulator has an object stage on which a test object can be secured, a first linear guide along which the object stage can be moved in a first direction, and a second linear guide along which the object stage can be moved in a second direction. The second direction has a perpendicular component relative to the first direction, particularly being perpendicular thereto, an object stage interface being formed on the first linear guide. The object stage has an interface region in which it is detachably connected to the object stage interface via a connecting device. The object stage has a support region in which it is arranged on the first linear guide to be positionally movable thereon and which is spatially separate from the interface region, in particular at its end facing away from the interface region.