Radial Telescopic Sample Changer for Front-Access X-Ray Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray analysis devices face inefficiencies in sample handling due to bulky and complex mechanisms that obstruct access to the sample chamber, require manual intervention, and lack flexibility in loading and positioning samples, particularly in microCT systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact sample changer with a telescopic arm and rotatable tray that allows front-side loading, utilizing a linear translatory movement and an end effector to automate sample picking and positioning, eliminating the need for a lift mechanism and enabling easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a bulky lift mechanism is used to move samples vertically to the measurement chamber, then sample positioning is achieved, but access to the sample chamber is obstructed and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky lift mechanism from the system and replaces it with a telescopic arm that extends horizontally into the measurement chamber. This extraction of the problematic component eliminates the obstruction to sample chamber access while maintaining sample positioning capability through the alternative telescopic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving samples vertically upward to the measurement chamber (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a horizontal telescopic arm that extends into the chamber from the front. This inversion of the movement direction resolves the contradiction by avoiding the vertical lift mechanism that causes obstruction and complexity.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is required for sample loading, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable tray pre-positions multiple samples in a circular arrangement before measurement begins. The telescopic arm is pre-configured to access the measurement chamber and retrieve samples. This preliminary arrangement of samples and mechanisms enables automated sequential processing without requiring complex real-time decision-making systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the telescopic arm automatically retrieves samples from the measurement chamber and returns them to the rotatable tray without human intervention. The rotatable tray automatically positions the next sample for measurement, creating a self-sustaining automated cycle that improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If samples are loaded from the top of the device, then sample positioning is achieved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional top-loading approach by implementing front-side loading through the telescopic arm that extends into the measurement chamber from the front of the device. This inversion makes sample loading more accessible and easier to operate while maintaining precise positioning through the controlled telescopic movement and rotatable tray mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1f
AI summary
An X-ray analysis device with a sample changer (10) comprising a tray (11) rotatable around a rotation axis Y and having a plurality of sample positions (12) in a circular pattern, the tray being driven by a motor, is characterized in that the sample changer comprises a telescopic arm (13) having a drive system designed to perform a linear translatory back and forth movement in a Z-direction perpendicular to the rotation axis Y with a gripper (14) arranged on the telescopic arm designed to pick up a sample from the tray and to carry the sample to a measurement chamber in the X-ray device and back; and that the telescopic arm is arranged in an XY plain perpendicular to the rotation axis Y being radially directed from the center to an outer circumference of the tray. This non-complex mechanism allows pre-selecting and positioning the samples next to a loading opening in order to facilitate a less time-consuming measurement.