Microscope Sample-Stage Holding Frame With Constant Axial Height
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope sample stage systems require separate holding frames for different modules, leading to increased complexity, cost, and reduced accessibility due to varying mechanical interfaces and heights.
Innovation Solution
A sample stage system with a holding frame that uses the same mechanical interface and maintains the same axial height regardless of whether an additional module is used, allowing the same frame to be used with or without the module, and incorporating a mechanical adapter component to ensure consistent sample support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate holding frames are used for different modules, then each module has its own optimized mechanical interface, but the number of components increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal holding frame design with a standardized mechanical interface that can be used across multiple different modules (x-y stage, z-axis stage, levelling attachments). This single holding frame replaces the need for separate specialized holding frames for each module type, reducing component inventory while maintaining reliable mechanical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interface is segmented into standardized components (interface elements, mounting surfaces, engagement features) that can be consistently applied across different modules. This segmentation allows the holding frame to be designed as a modular component that interfaces uniformly with various stage types without requiring custom designs for each module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are attached to the sample stage, then functional enhancements are provided, but the sample becomes less accessible from below due to increased height
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame serves as an intermediary component between the additional module and the sample stage. By providing a standardized interface at a controlled height, the holding frame acts as a mediator that allows functional modules to be attached while maintaining consistent sample accessibility. The sample support plane height is preserved regardless of which module is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the height issue by designing the holding frame with a standardized axial height that compensates for variations in module thickness. The mechanical interface is designed to maintain the sample support plane at a consistent vertical position, effectively managing the z-dimension to preserve accessibility while allowing module attachments.
3Device complexity
If the same holding frame is used with additional modules, then component inventory is reduced, but the mechanical interface must accommodate both the stage and module
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame is designed with a universal mechanical interface that can engage with both the sample stage and additional modules using the same standardized connection mechanism. This allows the single holding frame to be universally compatible across different configurations without requiring interface modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the interface requirements of the sample stage and additional modules into a single standardized mechanical interface design. The holding frame incorporates engagement features that can interface with both types of components using the same mounting mechanism, consolidating multiple interface requirements into one unified design.
4Reliability
If separate holding frames are developed for each additional module, then each interface is optimized, but development effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of developing separate holding frames for each module, the patent creates a single universal holding frame design that works with all modules. This reduces development effort by eliminating the need to design, test, and document multiple separate holding frame variants while maintaining reliable interfaces through the standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding frame design uses standardized parameter values (interface dimensions, mounting hole patterns, engagement feature geometries) that can be consistently applied across different modules. By fixing these parameters in the universal design, development effort is reduced while maintaining optimized interface characteristics for reliable mechanical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample stage system and a microscope including a sample stage, a holding frame for receiving a sample, wherein an axial spatial direction is given by a normal direction of a plane of extent of the holding frame. The holding frame is set up for being arranged on the sample stage either alone or together with a mechanical adapter component or together with a mechanical functional component for the mechanical manipulation of the holding frame, wherein, at least for an initial position of the mechanical functional component, an axial height of the holding frame relative to the sample stage is the same regardless of whether the holding frame is arranged on the sample stage on its own or together with the mechanical adapter component or with the mechanical functional component.