Elastic Mounting Member for Scanning Probe Microscope Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing sample containers in scanning probe microscopes face challenges such as evaporation issues due to similar solution gravities, solution mixing, and difficulties in maintaining a sealed state and adjusting distances, especially when using O-rings, which restrict observation of samples with varying shapes.
Innovation Solution
A sample container mounting member made of an elastically deformable material is used, which is mounted along the outer circumference of the sample container and holding member, allowing for secure sealing by deforming to fit snugly around both, preventing evaporation and enabling smooth scanning over various sample shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an O-ring is used to seal the sample container, then sealing is attempted, but gaps are easily formed and the sealed state is hardly maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sealing member made of elastic material that can deform to conform to the sample container and holding member surfaces. This flexible shell approach eliminates gaps and maintains reliable sealing without the rigidity issues of conventional O-rings, allowing the sealed state to be maintained while accommodating various sample shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member's elastic properties allow it to change its physical state (deform and recover) to adapt to different container dimensions and sample configurations. This parameter change capability enables the sealing member to maintain optimal sealing contact under various operational conditions, improving both sealing reliability and ease of operation
2Device complexity
If the O-ring size in height direction is restricted, then sealing is simplified, but the observation cannot be performed depending on the shape of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing member can extend and deform vertically to accommodate samples of various heights and shapes while maintaining a simple sealing structure. The elastic material allows the sealing member to adapt its height dimension dynamically, providing versatility for different sample types without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member transitions from a static fixed-height structure to a dynamic adaptable structure that can change its vertical dimension based on the sample being observed. This dynamic capability allows the same sealing structure to work with samples of different shapes and sizes, improving adaptability while keeping the basic sealing design simple
3Reliability
If a rigid sealing structure is used, then the sealed state is maintained, but the distance between the cantilever and the sample surface is hardly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sealing member allows for adjustment of the cantilever position by deforming elastically to accommodate changes in the gap between the cantilever and sample surface. This flexibility maintains the sealed state while enabling operational adjustments that would be impossible with rigid structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member's elastic deformation capability allows it to change its physical dimensions to accommodate cantilever position adjustments. This parameter change property enables the sealing structure to maintain reliability while facilitating ease of operation through flexible adaptation to different cantilever-sample distances
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 effectively prevents solution evaporation and allows for precise, flexible adjustment of the cantilever's position relative to the sample, enabling smooth observation of samples regardless of shape or size, while maintaining a sealed environment.
Implementation Method 1
an annular main body that is mounted while being elastically deformed along an outer circumferential surface of the sample container
Data Source
AI summary
A holding member, a sample container, and a mounting member are used in a scanning probe microscope. The mounting member is made of an elastically deformable material such as a rubber material. The mounting member includes an annular main body. When the mounting member is mounted on the holding member and the sample container, the holding member is inserted into the sample container while the main body of the mounting member is elastically deformed along an outer circumferential surface of the sample container. One end of the mounting member is detached from the outer circumferential surface of the sample container, and brought into close contact with an outer circumferential surface of the holding member. When the holding member and the sample container are relatively moved, the main body of the mounting member is elastically deformed.