X-ray Diffractometer Sample Cooling Apparatus Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ice formation on the sample and sample-supporting component in X-ray diffractometers becomes severe when the ω rotation substrate is set in the vertical direction, leading to reduced measurement reliability and increased installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The sample cooling apparatus is designed with a cooling-gas-blowing means that forms an acute angle with the sample-supporting component, and a gas-suctioning means with an aperture that immediately suctions gas after it passes over the sample, reducing turbulence and preventing ice formation by positioning the aperture close to the sample and allowing it to rotate with the ω axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the ω rotation substrate is set in the vertical direction, then the sample can be cooled by blowing low-temperature gas from above, but ice formation on the sample and sample rod becomes severe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vertical ω-axis configuration to a horizontal ω-axis configuration. This inversion fundamentally changes the geometry of the conical surface described by the sample rod, transforming the gas flow dynamics from a configuration where ice forms on the sample to one where ice forms away from the sample, thereby resolving the contradiction between cooling effectiveness and measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the ω-axis from vertical to horizontal, which fundamentally alters the spatial relationship between the sample rod, the gas flow direction, and the conical surface. This parameter change transforms the harmful ice formation location from the sample surface to a safe location away from the sample, eliminating the contradiction
2Ease of operation
If the ω rotation substrate is set in the vertical direction with a power transmission mechanism including a worm and large-diameter worm wheel, then the sample can be rotated about the ω axis, but the horizontal space required for installation is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the ω-axis orientation from vertical to horizontal, the patent repositions the power transmission mechanism to utilize vertical space instead of horizontal space. This inversion allows the worm and worm wheel to be arranged vertically, dramatically reducing the horizontal footprint of the diffractometer while maintaining full sample rotation capability
3Area of stationary object
If the ω axis is set horizontally to reduce installation space, then the horizontal length is reduced, but ice formation on the sample intensifies and measurement reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion to the gas flow direction relative to the horizontal ω-axis configuration. By directing the gas flow appropriately in the horizontal configuration and positioning the gas discharge vent and suction aperture correctly, the patent ensures that ice forms on the conical surface away from the sample, thus achieving both compact installation space and high measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas suction aperture as an intermediary element that actively removes moisture-laden gas from the measurement region. This intermediary mechanism prevents ice formation on the sample by controlling the gas flow and moisture removal, enabling the horizontal ω-axis configuration to achieve both space efficiency and measurement reliability
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 prevents ice from adhering to the sample, ensuring accurate diffraction data and allowing the ω axis to be set horizontally, reducing the X-ray diffractometer's horizontal length and installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
gas-suctioning means for suctioning, via an aperture, gas that has passed over the sample
Implementation Method 2
measurement is sometimes performed while a low-temperature gas, e.g., nitrogen gas at about 93 K (−180° C.) to 143 K (−130° C.), is blown onto the sample
Data Source
AI summary
The sample cooling apparatus is used in an X-ray diffractometer for rotating a sample supported by a sample rod about an ω axis, directing X-rays thereto, and detecting X-rays deflected from the sample using an X-ray detector. The apparatus has a nozzle for blowing a cooling gas on the sample; and a gas-suctioning device for suctioning, via an aperture, gas that has passed over the sample. The sample rod moves when rotated about the ω axis forming a conical surface having the sample as a vertex. The nozzle is provided so that the extension direction of the sample rod and the direction of the blown gas form an acute angle of 90° or less. The gas-suctioning device suctions the gas so the path of gas having contacted the sample rod bends when the extension direction of the sample rod and the blown direction of the gas form an acute angle.