Load Lock Door Kinematic Coupling for Repeatable Sample Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scientific imaging devices face challenges in achieving accurate, precise, and repeatable sample positioning due to issues with elastic sealing members causing friction and size variations, leading to poor alignment repeatability and limited sample throughput, especially in vacuum environments.
Innovation Solution
A kinematic coupling system is employed to kinematically couple a sample support cartridge to a retaining member, allowing for independent adjustment of multiple degrees of freedom, reducing the need for shims and improving alignment accuracy and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic sealing members are used to seal the vacuum chamber door, then sealing function is achieved, but friction and size variations occur leading to poor alignment repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic sealing member from the door assembly entirely. Instead of modifying the sealing member, the invention extracts the source of friction and size variation problems by using a separate sealing mechanism that does not interfere with the door's positional repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the specific door assembly design with kinematic mounting) that mediates between the sealing requirement and the alignment repeatability requirement. This intermediary structure allows sealing to occur without the door components experiencing friction or size variations that would affect positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If shims are used to achieve accurate alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The door assembly is pre-configured with kinematic mounting features and precise mechanical interfaces during manufacturing. This preliminary action embeds the alignment accuracy directly into the hardware design, eliminating the need for time-consuming shim adjustments during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual shim-based alignment system with a kinematic mounting system that provides inherent mechanical precision. This substitution automates the alignment function through engineered mechanical interfaces rather than manual adjustment procedures.
3Productivity
If traditional door assemblies are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but sample throughput is limited due to poor alignment repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a door assembly with dynamic adjustment capabilities through kinematic mounting, allowing the system to adapt and maintain precise alignment. This dynamic design enables rapid repositioning and ensures consistent alignment repeatability, thereby increasing sample throughput without sacrificing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for providing positional repeatability of closure of an opening of a scientific instrument and/or of alignment of samples relative to a coordinate system of the scientific instrument. A system can comprise a retaining member that receives a sample support cartridge, a first portion of a kinematic coupling that receives a second portion of a kinematic coupling, and the second portion of the kinematic coupling disposed at the retaining member, wherein at least the first portion of the kinematic coupling or the second portion of the kinematic coupling is disposed for joint movement with the sample support cartridge when coupled to the retaining member. A system can comprise a vacuum chamber body, a vacuum chamber door, and a kinematic coupling providing for adjustable alignment of a sample support cartridge at the vacuum chamber door relative to the vacuum chamber body.