Compact Micromanipulator With Magnetic Locking and Hinged Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micromanipulator systems are clumsy, large, and prone to significant drift over time, making them inaccurate and requiring long tool holders, which complicates precise manipulation in small spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact micromanipulator system with a movable support structure locked by magnets and wedge-shaped elements, allowing direct mounting of manipulator elements without adjustment pieces, utilizing piezoelectric drives for precise movement and incorporating a hinged base for easy access and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnets are used to lock the support structure in place, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic locking mechanism automatically holds the support structure in place without requiring continuous external control. The magnets inherently provide the locking force, and the wedge-shaped elements automatically release the magnets when actuated, allowing the system to self-regulate its stability without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using traditional mechanical locks, latches, or screws to secure the support structure, the invention uses magnets to provide holding force, significantly simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining stability.
2Ease of operation
If wedge-shaped elements are used to release magnets, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped elements operate in a different dimensional space than the magnetic locking mechanism. By introducing a mechanical wedge that acts perpendicular to the magnetic field direction, the system provides an intuitive release mechanism that converts small linear movements into effective magnetic field disruption, making operation easier without requiring complex multi-axial control.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped elements serve as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the magnetic locking system. Instead of directly manipulating the magnets or their fields, the user interacts with the simple wedge-shaped elements, which then translate this interaction into the appropriate magnetic field disruption to release the lock.
3Device complexity
If manipulator elements are mounted directly to each other without adjustment pieces, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator elements are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate direct mounting without adjustment pieces. The standardized interfaces allow the same component design to be used in multiple configurations and positions, eliminating the need for custom adjustment pieces while maintaining precision through consistent manufacturing tolerances across all elements.
4Volume of moving object
If the moving part is made small to fit inside the micromanipulator, then volume is reduced, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compact micromanipulator employs a nested structure where the moving part is contained within the housing in a space-efficient arrangement. The moving part is precisely positioned within the housing to maximize the use of available space, allowing the compact dimensions to be achieved without compromising the structural stability needed for precise manipulation.
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
The system achieves high stability, reduced drift, and precise movement with minimal size, allowing for accurate manipulation of tools in small spaces with reduced vibration amplification and long-term positional accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Actuators utilizing micromechanical principles such as piezoelectric drive provide for advantages in biosciences, where precise manipulation of microscopic tools is needed. The piezoelectric principle allows to control the position of a tool attached to the piezoelectric drive with small increments
Implementation Method 2
The micromanipulator system may have a support structure that may be easily movable for example for changing the tool, and may be locked in place with the help of magnets
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a compact micromanipulator device and a system. The micromanipulator system has a micromanipulator element (460) that cause movement of a tool (470) attached to the micromanipulator element (460). The micromanipulator element is attached to a support structure (440), which in turn is attached to a sliding base (420) in a hinged manner to allow sliding and/or tipping of the micromanipulator (460) element away from the normal operating position of the micromanipulator element.