Sample Cartridge Carrier Base for Cooled FIB Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing FIB processing systems face challenges in maintaining the cooled condition of samples, particularly living organisms, during processing and observation, and in safely transferring sample cartridges between stages without causing condition changes or breakage.
Innovation Solution
A sample cartridge carrier apparatus with a sub stage, carrier base, and carrier mechanism that includes a cooler block and retainer mechanism to maintain the cooled condition and facilitate safe transfer of sample cartridges between stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a tank containing liquid nitrogen is used to maintain the cooled condition of the sample, then the sample can be kept in a cooled condition, but the sample may change its condition or drop or break during tasks performed in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
A carrier base with a cooler block serves as an intermediary device between the liquid nitrogen tank and the sample cartridge. The carrier base receives the sample cartridge from the tank, maintains its cooled condition through the cooler block, and transports it to the sub stage, preventing direct handling and potential damage to the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the liquid nitrogen tank for cooling, the carrier base with cooler block for stable holding and transport, and the sample cartridge for sample containment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising sample integrity
2Reliability
If precise operations are performed to transfer the sample cartridge safely, then the sample condition can be maintained, but the user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism automatically engages with the sample cartridge when the carrier base is positioned correctly, eliminating the need for precise manual operations. The mechanism self-adjusts to secure the sample cartridge, reducing user burden while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier base is pre-configured with the retainer mechanism and cooler block before sample transfer. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the sample cartridge is introduced, it is immediately secured and cooled without requiring precise real-time operations by the user
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
Ensures stable cooling and safe carriage of sample cartridges, reducing user burden by eliminating the need for precise operations and maintaining the cooled condition from processing to observation.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler block configured to be cooled via the sub stage
Data Source
AI summary
A sample cartridge carrier apparatus is coupled with a focused ion beam processing apparatus (FIB processing apparatus). A guide mechanism is configured to guide a series of movements of a sample cartridge holder to allow a sample cartridge to be held by a carrier base on a sub stage. Sub cooling equipment is configured to cool the sample cartridge via the sub stage. A carrier mechanism carries the carrier base between the sub stage and a main stage.