Planar Sample Holder Lid for FIB-SEM Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for air-sensitive materials in FIB-SEM systems interfere with the microscope's components due to protruding fasteners, limiting the resolution and complexity of nanofabrication and tilt capabilities, requiring extensive and costly modifications to the FIB-SEM system.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder design with a lid featuring recessed closure arm receiving portions and an in-built elevator mechanism, allowing for a planar top surface without protrusions and enabling secure sealing through complementary surfaces, reducing interference with microscope components and enhancing tilt capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners (screws and knobs) are used to secure the lid, then the sealing and securing function is achieved, but the fasteners protrude outward and interfere with microscope components, restricting resolution and tilt capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from protruding external fasteners and relocates it to recessed closure arm receiving portions on the lid. The closure arms engage with these recessed portions from below, removing the need for outward-protruding screws or knobs while maintaining secure sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a top-down fastening approach (protruding fasteners on the lid surface) to a bottom-up approach (closure arms engaging from below). This dimensional change allows the fastening mechanism to operate in a different spatial dimension, eliminating interference with overhead microscope components.
2Reliability
If protruding fasteners are used on the lid, then secure closure is achieved, but the tilt mechanism range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes protruding fasteners that physically block the tilt mechanism's range of motion. By relocating the fastening function to recessed receiving portions, the lid surface remains clear, allowing the tilt mechanism to operate through its full intended range without mechanical interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive modifications are made to the FIB-SEM system to accommodate protruding fasteners, then the sample holder can be used, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the expensive FIB-SEM microscope to accommodate protruding fasteners, the patent inverts the approach by designing the sample holder lid to accommodate closure arms from below. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming microscope modifications while achieving full compatibility.
4Device complexity
If a planar flat surface lid is used, then interference with high-resolution microscopy is reduced, but traditional sealing mechanisms become more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sealing from the bottom dimension rather than the top surface. Closure arms engage with recessed receiving portions and apply sealing force from below, maintaining a clean planar top surface while achieving effective sealing through a different spatial approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed closure arm receiving portions serve as intermediary structures that enable sealing functionality without requiring protruding elements. These recessed portions act as mediators between the closure arms and the lid, allowing sealing force application while preserving the planar surface geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder for electron microscopy of air-sensitive samples for use in electron microscopy incorporates a housing and a closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises a lid comprising at least one closure arm receiving portions recessed within a flat, planar upper surface thereof. The housing comprises one or more closure arm(s) corresponding to one or more closure arm receiving portion(s). In a fully closed position, the closure arm(s) share contact with the closure arm receiving portion(s). The lid is flexibly coupled to a motor cover plate which can be actuated by a motor assembly configured to open and close the lid. The sample holder also includes an elevator assembly with a vertically adjustable sample stage which sits below the lid. The sample stage is vertically adjusted by actuation of a bellows assembly which sits beneath the sample stage.