Filter Holder with Planar Support and Clamping Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter holders for correlative particle analysis face issues such as costly glass plate replacement, contamination during cleaning, inability to image filters with an electron microscope, and increased analysis time due to non-planar filter layers, especially in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A filter holder with a movably arranged flat filter support and a clamping element that encloses the filter on its circumference, using a clamping spring for secure and even clamping, eliminating the need for additional covers and allowing for level fixation, enabling precise relocation and imaging with both light and electron microscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a glass plate is used to press the filter flat, then the filter surface is kept planar, but the glass plate scratches and requires costly replacement, and particles contaminate the next filter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable filter holder assembly where the filter is held in place by a simple frame structure that can be easily replaced. Instead of protecting a valuable glass plate, the design accepts that the filter holder itself will be replaced after use, eliminating the need for expensive glass plate replacement while maintaining filter planarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frame structure as an intermediary between the filter and the mounting mechanism. This frame holds the filter in place without requiring direct contact between particles and a hard glass surface, thereby preventing scratching while maintaining the filter's planar surface for microscopy.
2Reliability
If a glass plate is used to secure the filter, then the filter is held firmly, but the filter cannot be imaged with an electron microscope or analyzed by X-ray spectroscopy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass plate component entirely from the filter holder design. By extracting this incompatible element, the filter holder becomes compatible with electron microscopes and X-ray spectroscopy while still providing stable filter securing through the frame structure and mounting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal filter holder structure that can accommodate multiple analysis methods (light microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy) by using a simple frame-based securing mechanism rather than a glass plate, making the same holder applicable to all these different analytical techniques.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping ring is used to hold the filter at the periphery, then the filter can be imaged with an electron microscope, but the filter material becomes wavy and requires frequent refocusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies clamping force locally at specific points along the filter perimeter rather than uniformly around the entire edge. This localized clamping approach prevents the filter material from warping while maintaining electron microscope compatibility, as the filter remains relatively flat in the central observation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible frame structure that can adapt to the filter's shape and provide gentle, distributed clamping force. This dynamic frame design allows the filter to be secured without creating rigid waves or distortions, maintaining surface planarity while enabling electron microscopy.
4Reliability
If the filter is clamped firmly to prevent movement, then the filter position is stable, but the clamping force may damage the filter material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible frame structure that can conform to the filter's shape and provide gentle clamping force. This flexible design allows the filter to be held securely in position while distributing the clamping force to prevent damage to the filter material, avoiding concentrated stress points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements or padding between the frame and the filter material. This beforehand cushioning prevents direct contact that could damage the filter while still providing sufficient clamping force to maintain stable positioning during analysis.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, fast, and reproducible particle analysis by maintaining the filter in a plane, reducing refocusing needs, and allowing for secure clamping without damaging the filter, while enabling elemental analysis and imaging with electron microscopes.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping spring (13.1) supported in the receiving element (9), the spring force of which acts against the clamping element (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The holder has a receiving element (9) with a plane filter support (11) and a fastening unit, where the filter support is designed as a pressure piece that is movably arranged in the receiving element to be movable at a right angle to a surface of a filter (10) for tensioning the filter. The fastening unit comprises a clamping element (12), which engages the filter proximate to a circumference of the filter, where the filter is held by a tensioning element (13) supported in the receiving element, and the tensioning element includes a tension spring (13.1).