Telescopic Sample Changer Layout for Faster X-Ray Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray analysis devices face inefficiencies in sample handling due to complex mechanisms, such as robotic arms and lift stages that obstruct access to the sample chamber, require lengthy installation procedures, and involve cumbersome sample loading processes, which hinder high-throughput and accurate sample positioning.
Innovation Solution
A compact sample changer with a telescopic arm and rotatable tray that allows for linear translatory movement perpendicular to the rotation axis, enabling efficient sample picking and placement directly from the front, without obstructing the sample chamber access, and featuring a simple mechanism for easy installation and customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a robotic arm mechanism is used for sample handling, then sample positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample handling system is divided into two independent functional modules: a rotatable tray for sample selection and a telescopic arm for sample transfer. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the coordinated operation of simple, focused mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescopic arm is extracted as a separate, simple linear motion mechanism from the complex robotic arm system. By taking out only the essential sample transfer function and implementing it with a straightforward telescopic design, the system achieves sample positioning accuracy without the complexity of a full robotic arm mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If a lift stage is used to move samples, then sample positioning is improved, but access to the sample chamber is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a vertical lift stage that occupies the sample chamber space, the invention uses a horizontal telescopic arm mechanism that operates from the front of the device. This dimensional change allows sample positioning to be achieved without obstructing access to the sample chamber, enabling both automated positioning and easy sample loading.
3Measurement precision
If a complex sample loading process is used, then sample positioning accuracy is improved, but throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Samples are pre-loaded onto the rotatable tray in advance, allowing multiple samples to be prepared and positioned for transfer. This preliminary action enables the telescopic arm to quickly transfer samples without repeated loading operations, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly improving sample throughput and enabling unattended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable tray continuously presents the next sample to the telescopic arm after each transfer, eliminating idle time between sample loadings. This continuous operation ensures that the sample positioning process flows without interruption, maintaining accuracy while maximizing throughput through efficient, sequential sample handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample changer for an X-ray analysis device comprises a tray rotatable around a rotation axis Y and having a plurality of sample positions in a circular pattern, the tray being driven by a motor. The sample changer comprises a telescopic arm 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 arranged on the telescopic arm designed to pick a sample from the tray and to carry the sample to a measurement chamber in the X-ray device and back. The telescopic arm is arranged in an XZ plane perpendicular to the rotation axis Y and is radially directed from the center to an outer circumference of the tray. This mechanism allows pre-selecting and positioning the samples next to a loading opening in order to facilitate a less time-consuming measurement.