Compact X-Ray Tempering Chamber With Integrated Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample temperature control chambers for X-ray diffraction experiments are not suitable for compact benchtop X-ray devices due to their large size, weight, and requirement for external cooling connections, which violate safety regulations and complicate operation in fully protected devices.

Innovation Solution

A compact sample temperature control chamber with integrated heating and cooling elements, including an electrical resistance element and a Peltier element, allows for temperature control within a sealed environment without external connections, using active cooling and a control unit for precise temperature management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If external cooling circuits are used in temperature control chambers, then cooling performance is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to required external connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling circuit is merged with the temperature control chamber itself. The chamber housing contains integrated cooling channels that circulate coolant internally, eliminating the need for external cooling connections while maintaining effective cooling performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature control chamber is designed to be self-sufficient with all necessary cooling components integrated within the chamber structure. The chamber serves its own cooling needs through internal coolant circulation, without requiring external cooling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If external cooling connections are provided, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and safety compliance worsen due to additional connections in protected devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidconnection requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling functionality is merged into the chamber structure with cooling channels formed directly in the housing. This integration eliminates separate external cooling connections and reduces the number of components that require assembly and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function is extracted from external systems and incorporated directly into the chamber design. By taking out the cooling circuit from external infrastructure and embedding it within the chamber, the device becomes self-contained and compliant with safety regulations for protected devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If large-sized temperature control chambers are used, then temperature control functionality is improved, but device compactness and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control functionalityVSAvoidchamber size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling channels are strategically positioned in specific regions of the chamber housing where heat transfer is most needed. The sample holder area and surrounding regions receive enhanced cooling through localized channel placement, achieving effective temperature control without requiring a uniformly large chamber volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The chamber design optimizes the dimensions and cross-sectional area of cooling channels to maximize heat transfer efficiency within a compact volume. By adjusting channel parameters such as diameter, length, and distribution density, effective cooling is achieved in a smaller overall chamber size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables reliable and safe temperature control of samples within compact X-ray devices, eliminating the need for external cooling and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, while allowing flexible and portable operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical resistance element (18) for heating the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a Peltier element (18a) for cooling the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2848924B1Tempering chamber for compact x-ray apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 ANTON PAAR GMBH
  • EP2848924B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2848924B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2848924B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A sample temperature control chamber is described for a benchtop X-ray machine and/or full-protection X-ray machine, which comprises (a) a first chamber part (11) and a second chamber part (12) which can be connected together and are configured so as to form a closed chamber, (b) a sample holder, (c) an integrated temperature control device for controlling the temperature of a sample (P) which is provided on the sample holder, and (d) an active cooling system for dissipating heat from the sample temperature control chamber, the active cooling system comprising a heat sink and/or a fan. A system for X-ray-based analysis of a sample, in particular for X-ray diffraction measurements, is also described.