X-ray Transfocator Orthogonal Motor Drive and Radial Arm Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional X-ray transfocators are cumbersome, costly, and occupy large spaces due to their complex structure and requirement of multiple motors and flanges, limiting their performance and ability to meet advanced beamline design requirements.

Innovation Solution

An orthogonal motor drive scheme using only two motors, with a compact switched arm mechanism featuring a push-push ratchet mechanism, preload spring, and two-dimensional flexible axis, allowing for self-locking and flexible arrangement of CRLs along the optical axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If N motors and N flanges are used to control N arms in a typical transfocator, then each arm can be independently switched on or off relative to the optical axis, but the device becomes cumbersome, occupies large space, and increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus variation functionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple motors into a single motor. The motor drives a rotating table with N positioning holes, where each hole corresponds to a specific arm position. By rotating the table to different angular positions, the single motor controls which arm is positioned on the optical axis, replacing the need for N independent motors while maintaining the focus variation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating table serves multiple functions: it positions different arms on the optical axis, provides mechanical support for the arms, and enables the switching mechanism through its rotational movement. This multi-functional component reduces the overall number of parts needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If N motors and N flanges are used to control N arms in a typical transfocator, then each arm can be independently switched on or off relative to the optical axis, but the device occupies large space affecting work distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus variation functionVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The arms are arranged radially around the rotating table, with each arm mounted on a radial arm structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple arms to occupy a compact circular footprint rather than requiring linear space, significantly reducing the device's overall area while maintaining the ability to position any arm on the optical axis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If N motors and N flanges for motion feed through vacuum are adopted, then N arms can be controlled, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus variation functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using N different motor-flange assemblies, the patent uses a single motor with a rotating table that has N identical positioning holes. This copying approach allows the same mechanical interface to be reused N times through rotation, significantly reducing the number of unique parts needed and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If the number of arms N is increased for better focus variation, then more focusing combinations are available, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus variation capabilityVSAvoiddevice length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of arms (one-dimensional) to a radial arrangement around a rotating table (two-dimensional). This dimensional change allows N arms to be packed into a compact circular area, reducing the device's footprint while maintaining full functionality for focus variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12014839B2X-ray transfocator and focus variation method

Publication Date: 2024.06.18 INST OF HIGH ENERGY PHYSICS CHINESE ACAD OF SCI

AI summary

The invention discloses an X-ray zoom lens system (Transfocator) and a focus variation method. The system includes a main frame, many switched arms arranged on one side of the main frame, and a driving component set at the top of the main frame, and a positioning groove set at the bottom of the main frame; For them, each switched arm is composed of successively connected a push rod, a push-push ratchet mechanism, a preload spring and a guide stick, two-dimensional flexible axis, and a CRLs holder from top to bottom; CRLs are stacked and arranged in the mentioned above CRLs holder.