X-ray Optical Arrangement with Dual Focusing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray optical structures require time-consuming manual conversion and adjustment to switch between reflection and transmission geometries, risking damage to expensive components during storage and handling.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray optical structure with a second focusing element and a diaphragm system that allows for easy switching between two beam paths, enabling quick selection of the appropriate beam path for reflection or transmission measurements without the need for extensive reconfiguration, using a motorized system for automated switching and independent shading of each path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion and adjustment of X-ray optical elements is performed to switch between reflection and transmission geometries, then the measurement geometry can be changed, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires competent personnel

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement geometryVSAvoidconversion and adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements motorized drives that automatically rotate the goniometer and adjust the optical elements between reflection and transmission geometries. This dynamic automation eliminates manual intervention, reducing conversion time while maintaining the ability to switch between different measurement geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms. The motorized drives and control unit enable the X-ray optical structure to reconfigure itself between geometries without requiring external manual operation by competent personnel, thus reducing both time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If X-ray optical components are manually converted and stored when not in use, then different measurement geometries can be supported, but the risk of damage or loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement geometryVSAvoidcomponent safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the X-ray optical structure with universal mounting mechanisms and integrated storage positions within the goniometer system. Optical elements can be quickly swapped and stored in protected positions without manual handling, reducing the risk of damage while supporting multiple measurement geometries through the same hardware platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motorized drives and automated control systems as intermediaries between the operator and the optical components. These intermediaries handle the delicate operations of converting and storing components automatically, eliminating direct manual contact and thus reducing the risk of damage or loss during conversion and storage operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive manual adjustment is performed to switch between geometries, then the measurement geometry can be changed, but specialized personnel are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement geometryVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with motorized drives and automated control systems. The motorized goniometer and optical element positioning mechanisms eliminate the need for specialized manual adjustment skills, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the ability to switch between different measurement geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through automated control mechanisms. The motorized drives and control unit enable the X-ray optical structure to reconfigure itself between geometries without requiring external manual operation by competent personnel, thus reducing both time and skill requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection of optical elements is used for structural stability, then alignment is maintained, but conversion between geometries becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidconversion mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical system into modular components (source, goniometer, optical elements, detector) that can be independently positioned and adjusted. The motorized drives provide stable alignment within each segment while enabling easy reconfiguration between geometries by moving entire modules, thus reducing conversion complexity while maintaining alignment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements motorized drives that automatically rotate the goniometer and adjust the optical elements between reflection and transmission geometries. This dynamic automation eliminates manual intervention, reducing conversion time while maintaining the ability to switch between different measurement geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates rapid and automated switching between measurement geometries, reducing the need for specialized personnel and minimizing the risk of component damage, while maintaining high measurement intensity and resolution.

Implementation Method 1

a first focusing element with which X-ray light is directed from the position of the X-ray source via an intermediate focus to the position of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

a second focusing element, with which part of the X-ray light emitted by the intermediate focus is directed onto the position of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a diaphragm system, with which illumination of the position of the sample can be selected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption/shading: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2339332B1X-ray optical arrangement with two focussing elements
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 BRUKER AXS SE
  • EP2339332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2339332B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2339332B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An X-ray optical setup (1), comprising: • a position for an X-ray source (2), • a position for a sample (3), • a first focusing element (4) with which the X-ray light from the position of the X-ray source (2) is directed via an intermediate focus (5) to the position of the sample (3), and • an X-ray detector (6) which is movable on a circular arc (7) with radius R around the position of the sample (3), is characterized in that the setup further comprises: • a second focusing element (8) with which a portion of the X-ray light emanating from the intermediate focus (5) is directed to the position of the sample (3), and • an aperture system (9) with which it is possible to select between illumination of the position of the sample (3) ○ exclusively from the intermediate focus (5) directly ( = first beam path (10')) or ○ exclusively via the second focusing element (8) (= second beam path (10")).The invention proposes a design in which switching between reflection and transmission geometry is facilitated, in particular minimizing or eliminating conversion and adjustment work.