Bellows Actuated IR Stage for Uniform Sample Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ATR microscope stages face challenges in applying uniform pressure to samples with non-orthogonal geometries, leading to variations in signal strength and spectral information degradation due to mechanical complexity and feedback issues.
Innovation Solution
A bellows actuated IR stage that uses a pair of adjustable diaphragms and pressurizing means to apply conformable contact and uniform pressure to the sample surface, eliminating the need for mechanical pressure towers and accommodating various sample geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanical pressure mechanisms (screws, levers, slides) are used to compress the sample, then compressive force can be applied to the sample, but the mechanism becomes complex, requires frequent maintenance, and applies uneven pressure across non-orthogonal sample surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure mechanisms (screws, levers, slides) with a pneumatic system consisting of a bellows and pressure chamber. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components while providing uniform compressive force across the sample surface through gas pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a bellows actuated pneumatic system where compressed gas is introduced into a pressure chamber to generate uniform compressive force on the sample. The pneumatic mechanism provides smooth, maintenance-free operation compared to mechanical alternatives.
2Force
If conventional mechanical pressure mechanisms are used, then compressive force can be applied, but pressure varies across the sample area leading to signal strength variation and degraded spectral information
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic system distributes compressed gas uniformly across the entire sample surface area within the pressure chamber, ensuring even pressure distribution. This eliminates the localized and variable pressure problems inherent in mechanical point-contact mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure chamber design allows the same mechanism to accommodate various sample geometries and sizes while maintaining uniform pressure distribution, making the system universally applicable to different sample types without requiring mechanism modification.
3Force
If mechanical pressure mechanisms with tight tolerances are used, then compressive force can be applied, but the mechanism requires frequent maintenance and has complex feedback issues
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing mechanical contact mechanisms with a pneumatic system eliminates wear, friction, and tolerance accumulation problems. The bellows and pressure chamber have no moving contact parts, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability.
4Force
If mechanical mechanisms applying single directional axis forces are used, then compressive force can be applied, but the mechanism cannot accommodate non-orthogonal sample geometries effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure chamber and bellows configuration can accommodate samples with various geometries including non-orthogonal surfaces. The distributed pneumatic pressure adapts to different sample shapes and orientations, providing versatile functionality for diverse sample types.
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
The bellows actuated stage ensures consistent spectroscopic sample information by applying even pressure across non-orthogonal sample surfaces, reducing mechanical complexity and feedback issues, and providing a user-friendly interface for infrared analysis.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing means for creating a desired pressure within the second adjustable diaphragm so as to enable movement of the first adjustable diaphragm in a predetermined manner that provides conformable contact
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the complexity, sample geometry, and even pressure feedback issues associated with mechanical-only mechanisms. In particular, by utilizing one or more bellows capsules in an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) instrument as a pressure vessel that can expand, contract, and tilt in all directions, the mechanisms disclosed herein can substantially apply uniform pressure to an interposed sample surface to include non-orthogonal sample surfaces, and thus conform to any sample geometry within such instruments. The result of the novel arrangements described herein is to provide a user with a convenient and simple interface for operating the interrogating ATR optical instrument.