Rotatable Raman Inspection Stage for Precise Sample Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems face inefficiencies in sample alignment and analysis, particularly in non-destructive analysis of materials, leading to prolonged inspection times and suboptimal process efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system with a rotatable stage, multiple aligners, and a Raman spectrometer for precise sample alignment and analysis, enabling automated movement, alignment, and non-destructive inspection of samples, even on curved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single aligner is used for sample alignment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into two independent aligners: a first aligner that performs initial alignment before sample seating, and a second aligner that performs final alignment after sample seating. This segmentation allows each aligner to be optimized for its specific alignment stage, improving overall alignment accuracy while keeping individual aligner complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The first aligner performs preliminary alignment of the sample before it is seated on the stage. This preliminary action ensures that the sample is roughly positioned and oriented correctly beforehand, reducing the adjustment burden on the second aligner and improving overall alignment efficiency
2Productivity
If manual alignment and inspection methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and inspection time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated alignment and inspection processes where the aligners automatically position the sample and the inspector automatically performs Raman spectroscopy analysis. The controller coordinates these operations without manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for operator involvement in routine alignment and inspection tasks
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical alignment operations are replaced with automated alignment mechanisms controlled by a controller system. The inspector uses Raman spectroscopy, an optical/chemical analysis method, to replace manual visual inspection, thereby increasing inspection speed and objectivity while reducing dependence on human operators
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stage is fixed and non-rotatable, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for inspecting curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stage is designed to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the first direction, transforming it from a static, fixed position platform to a dynamic, adjustable positioning system. This rotational capability allows the stage to adapt to different sample orientations and curved surface geometries, enabling comprehensive inspection of various sample types while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure
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
The system reduces inspection and analysis time by allowing precise alignment and non-destructive analysis, improving overall process efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Light is scattered when the target sample is irradiated with the laser, which is a monochromatic light source, and most of the scattered light is a signal corresponding to a wavelength of the laser, but some of the light is a signal that is a Raman shift corresponding to a frequency of a vibration mode of the sample at the wavelength of the laser.
Implementation Method 2
Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique that radiates a laser to a target sample and determines a composition of a material from a spectrum obtained therefrom.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes a stage disposed on a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the stage is rotatable about an axis parallel to the first direction, and a sample is seated on the stage, an aligner which aligns the sample before or after the sample is seated on the stage, an inspector which radiates a laser to a detection position of the sample, and a controller which aligns the stage based on the detection position of the sample.