Cam-Based Sample Transfer Mechanism for Vacuum Chamber Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryostats require frequent refilling of cryogenic fluids due to external and internal heat input, leading to high operating costs and inefficiencies in sample transfer at low and ultra-low temperatures, where minimizing heat input and access time into the vacuum chamber is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A sample transfer apparatus utilizing a cam mechanism with a follower for linear movement to efficiently attach and release a sample holder within a vacuum chamber, reducing heat input and eliminating the need for rotational movements, allowing for quick and efficient insertion and removal of the sample holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a sample holder is transferred into and out of a vacuum chamber using conventional mechanisms, then the sample can be loaded and unloaded, but the access time increases and heat input into the vacuum chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is segmented into a first portion (cam mechanism) that remains outside the vacuum chamber and a second portion (follower) that enters the vacuum chamber with the sample holder. This segmentation allows the complex cam mechanism to stay external while only the simple follower enters the vacuum, reducing access time and heat input.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower acts as an intermediary element that transfers the sample holder from the external cam mechanism into the vacuum chamber. The follower is the only part that enters the vacuum chamber, mediating between the external transfer mechanism and the internal vacuum environment, thereby minimizing the time and thermal exposure required for sample transfer.
2Ease of operation
If rotational movements are used in the transfer mechanism, then the sample holder can be manipulated, but the access time and heat input increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional rotational mechanical system is replaced with a cam-based linear motion system. The cam profile is designed to guide the follower through linear movements that achieve the same sample holder manipulation (loading, positioning, unloading) without requiring rotational joints or movements inside the vacuum chamber, thereby reducing access time and heat input.
3Productivity
If objects from outside the cryostat contact the inside of the vacuum chamber, then sample transfer is enabled, but heat input increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus is divided into external and internal components. The cam mechanism (first portion) remains outside the vacuum chamber while the follower (second portion) enters with the sample holder. This segmentation ensures that only essential components enter the vacuum, minimizing heat input from external objects while maintaining transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex cam mechanism is extracted from the vacuum chamber environment and placed outside. Only the simple follower, which is necessary for sample holder manipulation, enters the vacuum chamber. This extraction removes the source of potential heat input while preserving the functional capability of sample transfer.
Data Source
Figure 1~1b
Figure 2~3A(c)
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sample transfer apparatus (100) for transferring a sample holder (200) into and out of a vacuum chamber (810), comprising: a holding device (110) including at least one cam (120) configured to cooperate with at least one follower (210) of a sample holder (200), wherein the at least one cam (120) includes a curved track having an open end portion (122), a locking portion (126), a locking track portion (124) and a releasing track portion (128), wherein the locking track portion (124) and the releasing track portion (128) respectively connect the open end portion (122) and the locking portion (126), wherein the curved track is configured such that the at least one follower (210) of the sample holder (200) is guided from the open end portion (122) to the locking portion (126) via the locking track portion (124) for attaching the sample holder (200) to the holding device (110), and wherein the curved track is further configured such that the at least one follower (210) of the sample holder (200) is guided from the locking portion (126) to the open end portion (122) via the releasing track portion (128) for releasing the sample holder (200) from the holding device (110).