Modular Micro-Nano Manipulation Tool With Changeable Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro/nano manipulation tools with single-piece construction face inefficiencies in tool customization, short tool tip lifetime, and complications in high vacuum environments, particularly due to the inability to quickly and reliably change tool tips without disturbing the operating environment and achieving precise alignment for sub-micrometer object manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with changeable tool tips featuring detachable mating members and an active releasing system, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, efficient transfer of mechanical forces, electrical signals, and thermal energy, and compatibility with a wide range of tool designs, enabling manipulation from micrometers to nanometers in size without disturbing the operating environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MEMS manipulation tools are constructed as single-piece devices, then structural integrity is maintained, but tool customization becomes highly inefficient requiring complete refabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into separate modular components: a reusable tool body and replaceable tool tips. The tool body contains actuators and sensing components, while tool tips contain the end effector. This segmentation allows independent fabrication and customization of tool tips without refabricating the entire tool, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire tool is refabricated for tool tip customization, then design modifications are achieved, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tool into modular components with standardized interfaces, design modifications can be achieved by simply replacing tool tips rather than refabricating the entire tool. The tool body remains reusable across multiple applications, dramatically reducing the time and cost associated with design modifications.
3Productivity
If tool tips are subject to wear and damage during use, then manipulation function is performed, but entire tool must be discarded when tool tip is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tool tip is designed as a disposable component that can be replaced when worn or damaged, while the expensive tool body is recovered and reused. This approach extends the overall tool lifetime by separating the consumable tool tip from the durable tool body, eliminating the need to discard the entire tool when the tip is damaged.
4Manufacturing precision
If tool tips are made thinner for better manipulation precision, then sub-micrometer manipulation is enabled, but structural integrity is reduced making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool tip is fabricated as a separate thin-component that can be optimized for precision without compromising overall structural integrity. The thin tool tip attaches to a stronger tool body through the modular interface, allowing the tip to be sufficiently thin for sub-micrometer manipulation while the body provides structural support.
5Productivity
If modular tool tips are assembled separately from tool body, then customization efficiency is improved, but alignment accuracy between components becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A standardized mating interface acts as an intermediary between the tool body and tool tip, providing precise alignment through mechanical features such as guide pins, slots, or interlocking geometries. This intermediary structure enables efficient modular assembly while maintaining the nanometer alignment accuracy required for sub-micrometer object manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to modular system for micro-nano manipulation of samples. The modular system of the present invention comprises changeable tool tips which may be provided in an array, and a tool body. Each changeable tool tip comprises an end effector connected to a base having mating structures. The tool body includes an arm having slits having dimensions and being disposed on the arm so as to detachably couple with the mating structures of the tool tip. The slits may include an opening with rounded corners for receiving the mating structures, and tapered side walls for frictionally fitting the mating structures. The present invention relates also to a connection system for connecting a micro-dimensional tool body to a changeable micro-dimensional tool tip and to a manipulation tool for use with changeable tool tips of the present invention.