X-ray detector modules with overlapping active zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray diffraction measuring arrangements face challenges in obtaining complete one-dimensional measurement information efficiently, as they often result in gaps due to dead zones around active detector modules, requiring time-consuming module movement to cover larger measurement ranges.

Innovation Solution

The measuring arrangement features overlapping detector modules along a circular arc, where active zones of adjacent modules overlap in the measuring direction, ensuring continuous data collection without gaps, even in areas where one module's dead zone is covered by another's active zone, allowing for precise and complete diffraction information capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If detector modules are arranged one after another with dead zones between them, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement gaps occur in the dead zone areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector module arrangementVSAvoidmeasurement data gaps
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear arrangement to circular arc arrangement of detector modules. By positioning modules along a circular arc centered on the sample, the active zones can overlap in the radial direction while maintaining separation in the tangential direction, eliminating measurement gaps without increasing device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the coverage areas of adjacent detector modules by arranging them overlapping along a circular arc. The active zones of neighboring modules overlap in the radial direction to ensure continuous coverage, combining their detection capabilities to eliminate dead zone gaps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If detector modules are moved to cover larger measurement ranges, then the measurement range is extended, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement rangeVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple detector modules along a circular arc to cover a large measurement range simultaneously. This eliminates the need for time-consuming movement during measurement, as all required detection positions are already in place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a static circular arc arrangement that inherently provides adaptability for large measurement ranges without requiring dynamic movement. The geometric configuration allows the system to maintain versatility while eliminating time loss associated with module relocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If one-dimensional spatial resolution is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but complete diffraction information cannot be obtained due to dead zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector configurationVSAvoiddiffraction information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by arranging detector modules along a circular arc rather than a straight line. This curved configuration allows the active zones to overlap continuously in the radial direction, ensuring complete diffraction information capture while maintaining one-dimensional spatial resolution and simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enables quick and complete acquisition of one-dimensional measurement data with reduced measurement errors and equipment complexity, facilitating efficient diffraction analysis without the need for extensive module movement.

Implementation Method 1

X-rays are diffracted by the lattice planes of the crystals in the sample or by the corresponding atoms. The spatial distribution of the diffracted X-rays can be used to determine the crystal structure or properties of the sample under investigation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

an X-ray detector for detecting the X-ray radiation emanating from the sample position, comprising several detector modules, wherein the detector modules each have at least one active zone in which X-radiation can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3928085B1Measurement arrangement for x-ray radiation for gap-free 1d measurement
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 BRUKER AXS SE
  • EP3928085B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3928085B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3928085B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an x-ray detector (21) having a plurality of detector modules (1, 1a-1g), each comprising dead zones (6) without x-ray sensitivity and active zones (3, 3a-3c) having x-ray sensitivity, which is spatially resolved in a measurement direction (MR), wherein the detector modules (1, 1a-1g) are designed to be successive and overlapping along the measurement direction (MR), such that, in overlapping regions (23a-23e), the dead zone (6) of a detector module (1, 1a-1g) is bridged by an active zone (3, 3a-3c) of another detector module (1, 1a-1g). The overlapping detector modules (1, 1a-1g) are arranged adjacent to one another in the transverse direction (QR) in the overlapping regions (23a-23e), wherein the transverse direction (QR) extends crosswise to the local measurement direction (MR) and crosswise to a local connection direction (VR) to a sample position (91). A gapless, one-dimensional piece of measurement information, particularly x-ray diffraction information, can be easily obtained by the x-ray detector (21) from a measurement sample (96) at the sample position (91).