Robotic Arm X-ray Analysis for Flexible Sheet Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray analysis techniques, such as XRF and XRD, face challenges in measuring flexible or non-flat samples, particularly those with varying thickness or irregular shapes, as they require precise positioning and calibration, which is difficult to achieve with conventional equipment.
Innovation Solution
A robotic arm with six-axis motion is used to mount an X-ray analysis head, allowing for both linear and rotational movement, enabling precise positioning and scanning of flexible sheets with variable thickness or irregular shapes, along with a material feed-through system using rollers for continuous measurement, and a reference sample for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional X-ray analysis equipment is used for flat samples, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the equipment cannot measure flexible or non-flat samples with varying thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom to dynamically position the X-ray analysis head, allowing real-time adaptation to flexible and non-flat samples while maintaining precise measurement positioning through active control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement in addition to linear movement, enabling the X-ray analysis head to approach samples from multiple angles and orientations, thereby accommodating flexible and irregularly shaped samples while maintaining measurement precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sample mounting is used, then positioning precision is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate samples in various positions or orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system serves multiple functions: positioning samples, orienting the X-ray head, and accommodating various sample types, replacing multiple dedicated fixtures with a single multi-functional platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sample mounting and positioning mechanisms with a programmable robotic arm, reducing mechanical complexity while increasing flexibility through software control
3Measurement precision
If the X-ray analysis head is stationary, then system simplicity is maintained, but the head cannot be positioned exactly parallel to variable thickness samples
Solution Approach 1:
The X-ray analysis head is mounted on a robotic arm that provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the head to be precisely oriented parallel to the sample surface even when the sample has variable thickness or irregular shape
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from position sensors and potentially optical sensors to continuously adjust the robotic arm's position and orientation, ensuring the X-ray head remains precisely aligned with the sample surface during measurement
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 setup allows for accurate and adaptable X-ray analysis of flexible sheets, ensuring precise alignment and consistent measurements across varying sample thickness and orientations, improving the quality and accuracy of elemental composition analysis.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray analysis is a widely adopted technique for accurately capturing measurement data for materials analysis. X-ray diffraction, XRD or X-ray fluorescence, XRF
Data Source
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AI summary
X-ray analysis of a primary sample such as a flexible sheet 60 uses apparatus having a primary sample holder such as a material feed-through system 20 for moving the flexible sheet through the apparatus. An X-ray analysis head 6 containing an X-ray source and an X-ray detector is mounted on a robot arm 4. The robot arm moves in three dimensions so that the analysis head can be brought into position to measure the flexible sheet as it is being brought through the apparatus by the material feed-through system.