X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer Height Measurement and Laser Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray fluorescence analysis methods require manual adjustments for focus and positioning, which are inefficient and can tire operators due to the need for manual laser control, and have limited adjustment ranges, affecting working efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray fluorescence analyzer with a moving mechanism, height measurement, and dual-laser system that automatically adjusts the sample's position and focus based on measured height, using a visible light laser for positioning and an invisible light laser for measurement, ensuring accurate and efficient analysis without operator fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a visible light laser beam is emitted continuously for positioning, then the irradiation point can be observed as a laser spot by the naked eye for facilitating positioning, but the laser beam forms a bright spot that disturbs the observation or tires the eye of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam emission is controlled to be periodic rather than continuous. The control unit activates the laser beam emission unit to emit the laser beam only when positioning is required (when the door is opened), and stops emission when positioning is complete (when the door is closed). This periodic activation eliminates the bright spot disturbance during observation while maintaining positioning capability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used for focus and positioning, then the operator can control the process, but the working efficiency is reduced and the operator becomes tired
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic focusing and positioning without requiring continuous manual intervention. The height measurement mechanism automatically measures the sample height at the irradiation point, and the control unit automatically adjusts the distance between the sample and X-ray source based on the measured height. This automation eliminates manual adjustment labor while maintaining precise control, thereby improving working efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated measurement and control system. The height measurement mechanism (optical or electronic) substitutes for manual visual observation and manual positioning, while the control unit substitutes for manual decision-making and adjustment. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems improves both efficiency and reduces operator fatigue.
3Extent of automation
If automatic focusing device is used to adjust the distance between sample and X-ray source, then the focus adjustment is automated, but the adjustment range is narrow due to the focal depth
Solution Approach 1:
The height measurement mechanism performs preliminary measurement of the sample height at the irradiation point before the X-ray analysis. Based on this preliminary height information, the control unit pre-adjusts the distance between the sample and X-ray source to an optimal position. This preliminary action enables the system to handle samples with varying heights and extends the effective adjustment range beyond the narrow focal depth of the X-ray source.
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
Enhances working efficiency by automating focus and positioning adjustments, widening the adjustment range, and preventing operator fatigue, while ensuring accurate X-ray analysis even on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a laser unit for irradiating the irradiation point with a visible light laser beam
Implementation Method 2
a height measurement mechanism capable of measuring a height of the sample at the irradiation point
Implementation Method 3
a radiation source for irradiating an irradiation point on a sample with radiation
Implementation Method 4
a characteristic X-ray (fluorescent X-ray) emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 5
an X-ray detector for detecting a characteristic X-ray and a scattered X-ray, which are generated from the sample, to output a signal containing energy information
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray fluorescence analyzer (100) includes: an enclosure (10); a door (20) for putting the sample into and out of the enclosure; a height measurement mechanism (7) capable of measuring a height at the irradiation point; a moving mechanism control unit (9) for adjusting a distance between the sample and the radiation source as well as the X-ray detector based on the measured height at the irradiation point; a laser unit (7) for irradiating the irradiation point with a visible light laser beam; a laser start control unit (9) for irradiating the visible light laser beam by the laser unit (7) when the door is open state; and a height measurement mechanism start control unit (9) for starting the height measurement mechanism to measure the height at the irradiation point when the door is opened.