Kinematic Substrate Holder with Compliant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in consistently and predictably securing substrates of varying sizes and shapes for imaging, as they may deform or impart moments on the substrate, leading to inconsistent image quality due to substrate inconsistencies or deformities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a holder and gripper with kinematic mounts, including securing blocks and a secure bar, that can accommodate different substrate sizes and shapes by providing multiple points of contact and adjustable components, ensuring secure and repeatable positioning without deforming the substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing methods are used to hold substrates for imaging, then substrates can be positioned on the stage, but the substrates may deform or be inconsistently secured due to varying substrate inconsistencies or deformities, leading to variable image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securing mechanism by using a kinematic mount with a compliant element that can adapt to varying substrate thicknesses and deformities. The compliant element's ability to deform elastically allows consistent positioning without transmitting excessive forces that would damage the substrate surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable positioning and surface integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism employs a composite structure combining rigid components (for stable positioning) with a compliant element (for adaptive contact). This composite approach allows the system to maintain precise positioning while the compliant element absorbs variations in substrate geometry, preventing deformation and ensuring consistent image quality across substrates with varying inconsistencies.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid securing mechanism is used to firmly hold the substrate, then positioning stability is improved, but the substrate may be deformed or moments may be imparted on the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid securing mechanism into a compliant one by introducing an elastic element that can deform within a controlled range. This parameter change allows the mechanism to maintain stable positioning while adapting to substrate variations, eliminating the harmful deformation effects that would occur with a purely rigid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant element acts as an intermediary between the rigid securing mechanism and the substrate. It mediates the interaction by absorbing mechanical stresses and adapting to substrate geometry, thereby preventing direct transmission of deforming forces to the substrate while maintaining positioning stability.
3Device complexity
If a standardized holder is used for substrate loading, then device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot accommodate substrates of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the holder with a universal kinematic mounting mechanism that can accommodate substrates of varying sizes and shapes. The compliant element and adjustable positioning features enable the same holder structure to securely hold different substrate types without requiring multiple specialized holders, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates dynamic elements, specifically the compliant element that can adapt its configuration based on the substrate being held. This dynamic capability allows a single standardized holder design to flexibly accommodate various substrate geometries, combining structural simplicity with adaptive versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to system for transferring a substrate, such as a microscope slide, and holding the substrate within at least one device. The system includes a holder for holding the substrate and a gripper for transferring the substrate, such as between a cassette or stack and the holder. A method is also discussed herein.