Elastic Flexure Joint for Cryogenic Sample Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample gripping devices used in cryogenic environments face challenges with dimensional changes due to temperature fluctuations, leading to potential collisions and damage when handling samples from cryogenic vessels, and current solutions are technically complex and require high design effort.
Innovation Solution
A sample gripping device with elongated gripping arms movably connected to a central component via an elastic solid-state connecting element, allowing both pivoting and linear movement, which combines the functions of a joint and a guide, enabling elastic deformation to absorb collisions and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the structure is cooled during operation, then dimensional changes occur due to thermal contraction, but this leads to potential collisions between the vessel wall and the sample gripping device
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms are made dynamically movable through elastic deformation of the flexure joint, allowing the structure to adapt to dimensional changes during cooling without rigid collisions. The flexure joint enables continuous adjustment of the gripping arm position as thermal contraction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism, where the flexure joint's bending capability allows the gripping device to accommodate dimensional changes. The elastic material properties enable the structure to flex and absorb thermal contraction stresses.
2Reliability
If a spherical bearing with return spring is used to enable longitudinal displacement, then collision protection is achieved, but the construction becomes technically complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the collision protection function from complex mechanical assemblies (spherical bearings, return springs, pneumatic cylinders) and integrates it directly into the gripping arm structure through the elastic flexure joint. The flexure joint itself provides the displacement capability without requiring separate collision protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexure joint merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides the pivoting movement for gripping operation, enables longitudinal displacement for collision protection, and eliminates the need for separate return springs or pneumatic systems. This consolidation significantly reduces construction complexity.
3Reliability
If a pneumatic collision protection device is used, then collision damage is prevented, but the design effort and technical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure joint provides self-service collision protection through its inherent elastic deformation capability. When a collision occurs, the gripping arm automatically displaces longitudinally through elastic bending of the flexure joint, absorbing the impact energy without requiring external pneumatic systems or active control mechanisms.
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 device effectively absorbs mechanical loads during collisions, reduces the risk of damage to the gripping device and storage containers, and is insensitive to icing, maintaining mechanical functionality without the need for heating, while allowing precise control of longitudinal displacement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gripping arm (6a, 6b) is coupled to the central component (4) via an elastic solid-state connecting element (16) which comprises at least one meandering area (18)
Data Source
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AI summary
Sample gripping device (2) and measuring device (50) comprising a central component (4) and at least two elongated gripping arms (6a, 6b). The gripping arms (6a, 6b) extend in a longitudinal direction (L) of the sample gripping device (2) and are movably connected to the central component (4). The gripping arms (6a, 6b) each have a front end (8a, 8b) and a rear end (10a, 10b) opposite in the longitudinal direction (L). A gripping device (12) for the indirect or direct pickup of a sample is provided at the front ends (8a, 8b). An actuating device (14) is provided at the rear ends (10a, 10b). This allows the gripping arms (6a, 6b) to be pivoted manually and/or with the aid of an actuator. At least one gripping arm (6a, 6b) is coupled to the central component (4) via an elastic solid connecting element (16).The solid connecting element (16) comprises a meandering section (18a - 18d), wherein a first end (20) of the meandering section (18a - 18d) is coupled to the central component (4). A second end (22) of the meandering section (18a - 18d) is coupled to the gripping arm (6a, 6b). The solid connecting element (16) is able to allow a pivoting movement and a linear movement of the at least one gripping arm (6a, 6b) relative to the central component (4) through elastic deformation of the meandering section (18a - 18d).