X-ray Topography System for Dual-Phase Titanium Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray topography systems lack the necessary resolution to characterize and quantify micro-textured regions in dual-phase titanium samples, which are susceptible to reduced fatigue life, and are either too slow for research environments or lack the speed required for manufacturing applications.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a goniometer with a base, rotatable tube and detector arms, a sample stage with multiple axes of translation and rotation, an x-ray source that emits a collimated beam with a divergence of less than three degrees, and a pixelated area detector capable of varying distance and angle, controlled by algorithms to quantify micro-textured regions in metal samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If X-ray topography systems use high-resolution configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidspeed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automated tube and detector arms that can dynamically adjust their positions and angles during the analysis process. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain high-resolution measurement capabilities while optimizing the scanning path and time, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision of micro-textured regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for changing operational parameters such as beam divergence angle (less than three degrees), detector distance, and analysis region size. By optimizing these parameters based on the specific sample and required analysis depth, the system achieves high-resolution characterization while reducing unnecessary scanning time, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If X-ray topography systems are configured for high-speed operation, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidresolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated tube and detector arms enable dynamic adjustment of scanning parameters during operation. The system can switch between high-speed scanning for preliminary surveys and high-resolution mode for detailed characterization of micro-textured regions, thus achieving both productivity and measurement precision requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis process is segmented into different stages: rapid scanning for overview, focused high-resolution scanning of identified micro-textured regions, and quantitative analysis. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall productivity while dedicating specific time and resources to high-precision measurement where needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If automated scanning is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated tube and detector arms serve multiple functions: they position the X-ray source and detector, control scanning patterns, adjust focus, and coordinate data acquisition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining high productivity through automation

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

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 high-resolution characterization and quantification of micro-textured regions in dual-phase titanium samples, balancing research-grade resolution with manufacturing-speed requirements, enhancing the analysis of samples in both environments.

Implementation Method 1

x-ray topography analysis of a sample... x-ray source that is operatively coupled with the tube arm and capable of emitting a non-collimated beam of x-rays... collimator may be capable of converting the non-collimated beam of x-rays into a collimated beam of x-rays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS10458929B2Systems and methods for materials analysis
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 RTX CORP
  • US10458929B2 patent drawing
  • US10458929B2 patent drawing
  • US10458929B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for the x-ray topography analysis of a sample, comprising in combination, a goniometer having a base, a tube arm rotatably associated with the base, a detector arm rotatably associated with the base, and a sample stage operatively associated with the base. The system also includes an x-ray source operatively coupled with the tube arm and is capable of emitting a non-collimated beam of x-rays. A collimator is operatively associated with the x-ray source and converts the non-collimated beam of x-rays into a collimated beam of x-rays having a quasi-rectangular shape with a divergence less than three degrees in all directions. A detector operatively coupled to the detector arm.