X-ray Detection Device Uniform Illumination Scattering Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray detection devices face challenges in uniformly illuminating samples due to the limitations of large transmitting films in vacuum chambers, leading to durability issues and the generation of shadows, especially when dealing with samples having uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray detection device incorporates a light transmitting plate with an opening portion for X-rays and a scattering portion for light, positioned between the sample holding unit and the X-ray irradiation unit, where the light is scattered to illuminate the sample uniformly, reducing shadows and allowing the X-rays to pass through, with the sample holding unit outside the vacuum chamber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a large transmitting film is provided in the vacuum chamber to illuminate the sample from the inside, then the illumination area is improved, but the durability for maintaining vacuum deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination areaVSAvoidvacuum maintenance durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light transmitting plate as an intermediary component that allows light to pass through while maintaining the vacuum seal. This plate serves as a mediator between the illumination requirement and the vacuum maintenance requirement, enabling both functions without direct conflict between the transmitting film and vacuum integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination system is segmented into multiple light transmitting plates positioned around the transmitting film rather than using a single large film. This segmentation allows each plate to be smaller and more durable for vacuum maintenance while collectively providing sufficient illumination area through multiple positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a transmitting film and light transmitting plate are used together to illuminate the sample, then the vacuum durability is improved, but shadows are generated at the boundary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum maintenance durabilityVSAvoidshadow generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions light transmitting plates at multiple spatial positions around the transmitting film, transitioning from a single-plane illumination to a multi-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional change allows light to reach the sample from different angles, filling in shadows that would otherwise be cast by the boundaries of individual components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the illumination system are assigned different functions: the light transmitting plates provide structured illumination from specific positions while the transmitting film provides general illumination. This local differentiation of quality and function allows each component to optimize its performance while minimizing shadow generation through coordinated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If light is used to illuminate a sample with an uneven surface, then the sample can be observed, but shadows are generated due to the uneven surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample illuminationVSAvoidshadow generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple light transmitting plates positioned at different spatial locations and angles around the sample. This multi-dimensional illumination arrangement ensures that light reaches the sample from multiple directions, filling in shadows cast by uneven surface features and providing comprehensive illumination of the entire sample area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration ensures stable and uniform illumination of the sample, minimizing shadows and maintaining consistent brightness even with uneven surfaces, while allowing for adjustable distance between the sample and the light transmitting plate to maintain image stability.

Implementation Method 1

a scattering portion for scattering light. The scattering portion is irradiated with light from the illumination unit, the light is scattered when transmitted through the scattering portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

a light transmitting plate for allowing the light from the illumination unit, with which the sample held on the sample holding unit is irradiated, to be transmitted therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

an X-ray transmitting film, wherein the light transmitting plate is disposed at a position between the sample holding unit and the X-ray irradiation unit... The X-ray transmitting film covers the opening portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Implementation Method 4

the light reflected by the sample passes through the opening portion and enters the observation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3540417B1X-ray detection device
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3540417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540417B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540417B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a radiation detection device in which a sample can be observed stably by making the sample to be illuminated as uniformly as possible. The radiation detection device is equipped with a sample holding unit (4); an irradiation unit (31, 32) for irradiating a sample (6) held on the sample holding unit (4) with radiations; a detection unit (33) for detecting the radiations generated from the sample (6); an illumination unit (36) for irradiating the sample (6) with light; an observation unit (35) for observing the sample (6); and a light transmitting plate (1) for allowing the light from the illumination unit (36), with which the sample (6) held on the sample holding unit (4) is irradiated, to be transmitted therethrough. The light transmitting plate (1) is disposed at a position between the sample holding unit (4) and the irradiation unit (31, 32), and has an opening portion (11) for allowing the radiations from the irradiation unit (31, 32), with which the sample (6) is irradiated, to pass therethrough and a scattering portion (12) for scattering light.