Elastic Clamping Specimen Holder Tip for Electron Microscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current specimen handling in electron microscopes is complex and prone to accidents, with manual operations risking specimen damage and contamination, especially during specimen exchange and cooling processes, due to the need for precise alignment and handling of thin specimens and the use of manual valve mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A specimen holder tip part with a ring-shaped specimen holding part and elastic clamping mechanism, and a goniometer stage with a gate-type valve opening and closing mechanism, allowing for automated and precise specimen handling and reduced human intervention, thereby minimizing specimen damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screw fixing mechanism is used to mount specimen, then specimen can be securely fixed, but operation complexity increases and risk of specimen damage rises
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holding plate is designed with elastic clips that automatically clamp and secure the specimen mesh when the plate is inserted into the cradle. The elastic deformation of the clips provides self-locking functionality without requiring manual screw tightening, making the system self-servicing and eliminating complex manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical screw-fixing system is replaced with an elastic clip-based clamping mechanism. The elastic clips use elastic deformation rather than threaded mechanical engagement to achieve secure fixation, simplifying the mechanical system and reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If thin specimen cradle is used to fit limited space, then space utilization improves, but durability decreases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder is divided into separate functional components: the thin specimen cradle for space efficiency, the specimen holding plate for specimen mounting, and the elastic clips for fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the cradle remains thin for space utilization while the holding plate and clips provide the necessary strength and durability.
3Device complexity
If manual valve operation is used for specimen exchange, then system complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is designed to operate automatically based on the position of the specimen holder. When the holder is inserted or removed, the valve automatically opens or closes without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for complex manual valve operation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the physical position of the specimen holder as feedback to control valve operation. The holder's insertion or removal triggers corresponding valve actions, creating a feedback-based automatic control system that reduces contamination risk by minimizing manual operations while maintaining appropriate valve states.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required during specimen mounting, then specimen fixation accuracy improves, but operation time increases and accident risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holding plate is pre-positioned with guide features and the elastic clips are pre-configured in the correct orientation before insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the plate is inserted into the cradle, the specimen is automatically aligned correctly without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic clips automatically adjust their clamping force and position to secure the specimen mesh in the correct alignment when the holding plate is inserted. The system performs the alignment function automatically through the self-servicing action of the elastic clips, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations.
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 solution simplifies specimen mounting and reduces the risk of damage during handling, enables automated specimen exchange, and stabilizes the electron microscope environment, improving productivity and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
the specimen holding part (2) and the clamping part (24) have a fixed means capable of being able to be fixed to each other... the clamping part comprises an elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
In at least one embodiment, a specimen holder tip part comprises a specimen setting seat, a specimen mesh for mounting a specimen, a specimen holding part for holding the specimen mesh and a clamping part that clamps the specimen holding part.