MAS Angle Adjustment Mechanism for Cooling-Induced Thermal Contraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MAS apparatuses fail to properly adjust the tilt angle during cooling due to thermal contraction of parts, leading to malfunction.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a connection mechanism with a first movable part and a second movable part, connected via an elongated hole and shaft member, allowing for sliding motions that accommodate thermal contraction, ensuring smooth angle adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the MAS apparatus is cooled to maintain low temperature for electronic circuits or samples, then the temperature is reduced, but thermal contraction of parts occurs causing the angle adjustment mechanism to malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetemperatureVSAvoidangle adjustment mechanism operation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by designing the connection mechanism with an elongated hole and shaft member that allows for thermal contraction. The elongated hole provides dimensional flexibility in the horizontal direction, enabling the mechanism to accommodate temperature-induced dimensional changes without malfunctioning. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate reliably across temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a rigid connection mechanism is used for angle adjustment, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate thermal contraction during cooling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mechanism structureVSAvoidthermal contraction accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a movable connection mechanism where the shaft member can slide within the elongated hole. This dynamic design allows the connection between the first and second movable parts to adjust automatically in response to thermal contraction, providing adaptability without significant structural complexity. The sliding capability enables the mechanism to maintain functionality under temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the angle adjustment mechanism is designed without considering thermal contraction, then the design is straightforward, but the mechanism will not work properly when cooled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign simplicityVSAvoidcooling condition operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates thermal contraction considerations by designing the elongated hole with specific dimensional parameters that accommodate expected contraction. The horizontal extension of the elongated hole provides a tolerance range that absorbs dimensional changes during cooling, allowing the mechanism to be manufactured with standard tolerances while ensuring reliable operation under thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents excessive stress on parts and ensures proper operation of the angle adjustment mechanism even when cooled, maintaining precise tilt angle adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

when a positional relationship between the elongated hole and the shaft member changes due to thermal contraction of the MAS apparatus during a process of cooling the MAS apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP4369018B1Magic angle spinning NMR apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 JEOL LTD
  • EP4369018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4369018B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4369018B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An angle adjustment mechanism (30) has a block (64), a projecting piece (65), and a connection mechanism (66). The projecting piece (65) is fixed to a stator (26). The connection mechanism (66) has elongated holes (90) provided in the block (64) and a shaft member (68) provided in the projecting piece (65). The shaft member (68) is inserted in the elongated holes (90). During a tilt angle adjustment process, the shaft member (68) is caused to move in a sliding motion in the elongated holes (90). During a cooling process, the shaft member (68) is also caused to move in a sliding motion in the elongated holes (90).