X-ray Diffraction Apparatus Stationary Head Movable Stage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Prior x-ray diffraction instruments have complex drive structures that limit the size of parts that can be analyzed due to spatial constraints, restricting the ability to measure strength-related characteristics across various positions effectively.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray diffraction apparatus with a frame and drive mechanisms that allow pivotal movement of the x-ray head about χ and Ω axes using an arcuate guide and rack-and-pinion mechanism, enabling larger parts to be analyzed without spatial obstructions, and allowing for unobstructed loading and measurement of parts with complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complicated drive structures are used to provide movement of the x-ray head about χ and Ω axes, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases and limits the size of parts that can be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the measurement system into separate functional components: a stationary x-ray source, a stationary detector, and a movable sample stage. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex drive structures to move the x-ray head, while still enabling comprehensive measurement capability across multiple positions on the part.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the x-ray head around a stationary part (which requires complex drive structures), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the x-ray head stationary and moving the part on a programmable stage. This reversal eliminates spatial constraints imposed by complex drive mechanisms while maintaining the ability to analyze various positions on the part.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complicated drive structures are used to move the x-ray head, then measurements can be taken across multiple positions, but the size of parts that can be analyzed is limited due to spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention reverses the traditional configuration by keeping the x-ray measurement system stationary and moving the part instead. The programmable sample stage can accommodate parts of various sizes and geometries, eliminating the spatial constraints that would otherwise limit part size in systems with moving x-ray heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary x-ray head combined with a programmable sample stage creates a universal measurement system that can analyze parts of different sizes, shapes, and geometries. The sample stage's programmable movement provides multi-position measurement capability without the spatial limitations of complex drive structures.
3Measurement precision
If the x-ray head is moved about χ and Ω axes, then comprehensive strength-related characteristics can be measured, but the complicated drive structures interfere with part geometry and require excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into stationary components (x-ray source, detector, and frame) and a separate movable sample stage. This segmentation eliminates the need for space-consuming drive structures while maintaining the capability to measure strength-related characteristics at multiple positions through programmable stage movement.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the measurement approach to use a stationary x-ray head with a movable part, the system eliminates the excessive space requirements and geometric interference caused by complex drive structures. The programmable sample stage provides the necessary movement capability without occupying excessive space or interfering with part geometry.
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 apparatus enables analysis of larger parts with complex geometries by minimizing spatial constraints and allowing full range of movement for the x-ray head, improving the measurement of strength-related characteristics without interfering with the part's geometry or requiring excessive space.
Implementation Method 1
The use of x-ray diffraction techniques for measuring residual stresses in crystalline substances such as metal or ceramic materials is well-known
Implementation Method 2
subject the material to the radiation of x-rays with the resulting sensed x-ray diffraction peak
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An x-ray diffraction apparatus is provided having an x-ray diffraction head, a frame for supporting the x-ray diffraction head, and a pair of drive mechanisms of the frame configured to generate pivotal movement of the x-ray diffraction head about first and second orthogonal axes. The frame is configured such that operation of one of the drive mechanisms to rotate the x-ray diffraction head about the first axis generates rotation of both of the drive mechanisms about the first axis.