Holding System for Reproducible Sample Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for examining and manipulating samples lack precision and repeatability when exchanging samples between devices or systems, leading to inefficiencies in measurement chains.
Innovation Solution
A holding system comprising a holding module and a carrier module that provides a reproducible reference position, allowing the carrier module to be locked in a consistent position relative to the holding module, enabling precise and repeatable sample positioning across different devices or systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If samples are exchanged between devices or systems, then sample handling flexibility is improved, but positioning precision and repeatability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a holding module (fixed to device) and a carrier module (removable with sample), allowing flexible exchange of carrier modules while maintaining precise positioning through the reference position mechanism on the holding module
Solution Approach 2:
A reference position mechanism acts as an intermediary between the holding module and carrier module, providing a stable reference point that enables precise and repeatable positioning even when carrier modules are exchanged between different devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If samples are exchanged between devices or systems, then sample handling flexibility is improved, but positioning repeatability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference position mechanism provides a universal reference point that works across multiple devices and carrier modules, ensuring that the same reference position can be reproduced regardless of which carrier module is installed or which device is used
3Device complexity
If manual positioning methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reference position is pre-established on the holding module before carrier module installation, allowing automatic positioning to be performed quickly after module exchange without complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a holding system (101) for attaching to a device (103) for examining and/or manipulating samples (105), a device (103) with such a holding system (101), and a system with a holding system (101) according to the invention and at least two devices (103) for examining and/or manipulating samples (105). With known solutions, it is difficult or impossible to reproducibly position a sample (105) in different devices (103) or to reproducibly position different samples (105) in one device (103).Known holding systems (101) are improved by the invention in that the holding system (101) comprises a holding module (107) for attaching the holding system (101) to the device (103) and a carrier module (109) repeatedly interchangeably held on the holding module (107) for receiving and/or holding a sample (105), wherein the holding system (101) provides a reference position (341) for the carrier module (109) in which the carrier module (109) is fixed in a repeatedly reproducible relative position to the holding module (107).