Framed Sample Support Structure to Prevent Substrate Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sample support units for mass analysis are prone to bending and damage during fixation due to strong pressing forces from clamping holders, which can lead to measurement deviations and substrate damage.
Innovation Solution
A sample support unit with a removably attached frame that includes a fixing portion positioned outside the substrate, allowing the frame to absorb pressing forces and prevent substrate bending, while ensuring the measurement surface and holder surface are on the same plane for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strong pressing force is applied by clamping portions to suppress misregistration, then fixation stability is improved, but substrate bending and damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The frame acts as an intermediary component between the substrate and the clamping portions. The clamping portions clamp the frame rather than directly pressing the substrate, and the frame transmits the clamping force to the substrate through its fixing portions. This intermediate structure distributes the pressing force over a larger area and prevents direct concentrated loading on the substrate, thereby maintaining fixation stability while preventing substrate bending and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample support unit is segmented into distinct functional components: the substrate, the frame, and the fixing portions. The frame is separable from the substrate and serves as a dedicated structural element to handle mechanical loading. This segmentation allows the frame to bear the brunt of clamping forces while the substrate remains protected, resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and substrate integrity.
2Ease of repair
If the frame is removably attached to retain the substrate, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample support unit is divided into separable components: the substrate and the frame. The frame is removably attached to the substrate through fixing portions that enable easy attachment and detachment. This segmentation allows the frame to be replaced independently without damaging the substrate, improving ease of repair while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
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 suppresses substrate bending and damage during fixation, enabling accurate and reliable mass analysis by distributing the pressing force through the frame rather than relying on the substrate's strength, and allows for easy replacement and adjustment of the frame without altering the substrate design.
Implementation Method 1
the components of the sample are moved toward the first surface side from the second surface side of the substrate via the porous structure
Data Source
AI summary
A sample support unit includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, and having a porous structure formed therein and opened to at least the first surface, and a frame removably attached to the substrate and retaining the substrate such that at least a part of the first surface is exposed. The frame has a fixing portion positioned outside the substrate when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the first surface, in the state of being attached to the substrate.