Adjustable Clamping Probe Cassette for Transport Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe cassettes fail to provide adequate clamping for probe devices, leading to potential damage during transportation and handling due to insufficient mechanical clamping and sensitivity to probe device thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
A probe cassette with an adjustable clamping unit that offers multiple selectable clamping forces, using electromechanical actuators, magnets, capillary tubes, fluid blowers, and vacuum clamping members to securely hold probe devices, allowing for precise control of the clamping force based on dynamic conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring-based mechanical clamping is used, then the cassette structure is simple, but the clamping force is insufficient and sensitive to probe device thickness variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clamping system where the lid can be selectively positioned in multiple states (first position with insufficient clamping, and multiple second positions with sufficient clamping). This allows the clamping force to be adjusted based on the specific probe device being held, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving reliable, adaptable clamping across different probe thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the clamping force parameter by providing multiple discrete positions for the lid, each corresponding to a different clamping force level. This enables the system to adapt to different probe device thicknesses by selecting the appropriate lid position, thereby improving both clamping reliability and adaptability without complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical clamping mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the clamping is too sensitive to engineering tolerance and probe device variations
Solution Approach 1:
By making the lid positionable in multiple discrete states rather than relying on continuous mechanical adjustment, the system reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances. Each discrete position provides a predetermined clamping force that is sufficient for its intended use case, making the system easier to operate without requiring high precision mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves away from traditional spring-based mechanical clamping that requires precise mechanical tolerances toward a system where the lid position itself determines the clamping force. This substitution reduces dependence on tight manufacturing tolerances while maintaining ease of operation through simple positional selection.
3Device complexity
If fixed mechanical clamping is used, then the device complexity is low, but the probe devices may displace during transportation or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple clamping force levels through discrete lid positions, allowing selection of appropriate clamping strength for different transportation conditions. This dynamic approach maintains low device complexity while improving reliability by enabling adequate protection against displacement and impact without requiring complex active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a probe cassette for storing, transporting and handling one or more probe devices for a probe based system, the cassette including: a cassette body having at least one probe receptacle arranged to accommodate a probe device, a lid connectable to the cassette body, and a clamping unit configured to retain the probe device at the receptacle by exerting a clamping force on said probe device when the lid is in a closed position, wherein the clamping unit includes an adjustment member for adjusting the clamping force, wherein the clamping unit is selectively operable from a first position, in which the clamping force is insufficient to provide clamping, to a plurality of second positions, in which the clamping force is sufficient to an extent at which movement of the probe device at the receptacle is prevented.