Electromagnetic Sample Holder for Cryogenic X-ray Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical gripping devices for X-ray structure analysis are prone to failure when exposed to liquid nitrogen, as they warp or become brittle, and materials with high thermal conductivity introduce heat, leading to sample destruction and increased evaporation.
Innovation Solution
A system using a permanent electromagnet with a coil to control the magnetic field, allowing for magnetic samples to be securely held and lifted without mechanical components, reducing the risk of failure and heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If common materials and conventional designs are used for the mechanical elements of the gripping device, then the device can be constructed simply, but the mechanical elements would warp due to cooling in liquid nitrogen, limiting the functionality of the gripping device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gripping device with an electromagnetic system. A permanent electromagnet in the sample holder and a sample gripper with a permanent magnet eliminate mechanical contact and gripping elements. The magnetic field holds the sample in place without mechanical force, preventing warping and functionality loss due to cryogenic cooling.
2Strength
If materials with high thermal conductivity such as stainless steel are used for the mechanical gripping device, then the device can be constructed with good mechanical properties, but heat is introduced into the Dewar, leading to undesired additional evaporation of liquid nitrogen
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic gripping system eliminates the need for mechanical components made of high thermal conductivity materials. The permanent magnets and electromagnets interact magnetically without physical contact, removing the thermal bridge that would conduct heat into the liquid nitrogen Dewar and cause evaporation.
3Reliability
If mechanical gripping devices are designed to be suitable for repeated use under liquid nitrogen, then the device can operate in cryogenic conditions, but they become complicated to construct and expensive to manufacture due to the materials used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gripping mechanisms with a simple electromagnetic system. The permanent electromagnet in the sample holder and the permanent magnet in the gripper create a straightforward magnetic holding and release mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components designed for cryogenic use.
4Reliability
If mechanical gripping devices are designed for repeated use under liquid nitrogen, then the device can operate in cryogenic conditions, but the materials used become brittle and fragile due to the low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic system eliminates mechanical components that would become brittle and fragile at low temperatures. The permanent magnets and electromagnets maintain their magnetic properties without becoming brittle, providing reliable operation in cryogenic conditions.
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 significantly simplifies the gripping device design, reduces susceptibility to errors, minimizes heat input, and allows for cost-effective and rapid replacement, ensuring reliable sample transfer in X-ray structure analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The permanent electromagnet includes a permanent magnet and a coil
Implementation Method 2
a permanent electromagnet for holding a magnetic or magnetizable sample with a holding force
Implementation Method 3
The permanent electromagnet includes a permanent magnet and a coil. The control unit is connected to the coil of the permanent electromagnet
Implementation Method 4
The gripping device includes a sample gripper with a permanent magnet in order to lift a sample held in the first sample position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
AI summary
A system for supplying a sample to a measuring device is presented and described, comprising a sample holder, a control unit, and a gripping device. The sample holder is designed for insertion into a reservoir filled with a cooling liquid and has a sample position equipped with a permanent electromagnet for holding a magnetic sample. The gripping device comprises a sample gripper with a permanent magnet. The control unit is connected to a coil of the permanent electromagnet in the sample position such that it can vary the holding force of the permanent electromagnet.In a removal mode, it can control or regulate the current through the coil of the permanent electromagnet of the sample position in such a way that the holding force generated by the permanent electromagnet is reduced to such an extent that a sample can be lifted from the sample position with the sample gripper, and/or in a holding mode, it can control or regulate the current through the coil of the permanent electromagnet of the first sample position in such a way that the holding force generated by the permanent electromagnet is increased to such an extent that a sample cannot be lifted from the first sample position with the sample gripper.