Lathe Head Pivot Aperture for Conical Tip Runout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro/nano machining techniques, such as FIB and laser beam machining, face challenges in producing microscopic features with precise geometries, particularly conical probes with small diameters and submicron radii, due to issues like eccentric runout and material handling difficulties, especially when working with hard materials like diamond.
Innovation Solution
A micro/nano machining lathe system with a lathe head and driver system that includes a microscopic pivot aperture for seating a conical tip, allowing axial rotation and forward pressure application to minimize eccentric runout, enabling precise machining of the tip material while maintaining a fixed pivot point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional FIB or laser beam machining is used to create microscopic conical probes, then specialized geometries can be produced, but eccentric runout and mechanical imprecision prevent consistent submicron radii of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical lathe rotation system with a magnetic field-based rotation system. A magnetized turnable part rotates within a magnetic field generated by magnets in the driver system, eliminating mechanical contact and friction that cause eccentric runout. This substitution enables precise, consistent rotation of the conical tip during FIB machining, achieving reliable submicron radii of curvature without mechanical imprecision.
2Ease of manufacture
If elaborate software and expert scripting are used for FIB stage operations, then microscopic production can be achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated magnetic coupling and rotation. The magnetized turnable part automatically couples with the magnetic field when positioned in the lathe head, and rotation is automatically controlled by the driver system's magnets. This eliminates the need for elaborate software scripting and expert operation, making the micromachining process simpler and more accessible while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If forward pressure is applied to the conical tip during rotation, then eccentric runout is minimized, but additional force requirements complicate the driver system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure application with magnetic field-based force application. The driver system's magnets generate a magnetic field that applies controlled force to the magnetized turnable part, maintaining forward pressure on the conical tip during rotation without requiring complex mechanical pressure mechanisms. This magnetic force application minimizes eccentric runout while simplifying the overall driver system 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
This approach allows for the precise and economical micro/nano machining of parts in diamond and other materials by minimizing eccentric runout and maintaining a stable pivot point, facilitating high-resolution feature creation with reduced mechanical imprecision and material handling challenges.
Implementation Method 1
The microscopic pivot aperture is dimensioned for seating the concentric tip in the pivot aperture such that an apex of the conical tip protrudes through and beyond the aperture to a position in close proximity with the aperture
Implementation Method 2
A driver system can comprise a rotator for axially rotating the turnable part, including the conical tip seated in the pivot aperture
Implementation Method 3
a forward pressure applicator for concurrently applying forward pressure to the conical tip in the direction of the pivot aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods and systems for nano/micro machining. A lathe head has a microscopic pivot aperture for seating a conical tip. The conical tip is carried on a turnable part at one end thereof and is polished down to a microscopic apex. The microscopic pivot aperture is dimensioned for seating the concentric tip in the pivot aperture such that an apex of the conical tip protrudes through and beyond the aperture to a position in close proximity with the aperture. A driver system can comprise a rotator for axially rotating the turnable part, including the conical tip seated in the pivot aperture, and a forward pressure applicator for concurrently applying forward pressure to the conical tip in the direction of the pivot aperture. A light/particle beam system can be utilized to machine the rotating conical tip and the rotating turnable part, including the tip, can be easily removed after machining.