Sample Holder Lock Lever for Safe Tilt Stage Transport

Solution Overview

Problem

In charged particle beam systems, such as transmission electron microscopes, there is a risk of collision between the sample stage and other components when a tilted sample stage is conveyed through narrow gaps, potentially causing damage due to the limited space between polepieces.

Innovation Solution

A sample holder with a tilt mechanism and a lock lever that limits the tilt of the sample stage when detached, preventing collisions by ensuring the stage remains horizontal during transport and allowing tilting only when mounted, thereby avoiding contact with system components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the sample stage is tilted for crystallographic alignment during observation, then the observation capability is improved, but the risk of collision with polepieces during transport increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystallographic alignment capabilityVSAvoidcollision risk during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sample stage employs a dynamic tilt mechanism that allows tilting when mounted in the observation chamber but automatically locks in a horizontal position during transport. The tilt angle is dynamically adjusted based on operational mode: tilted for crystallographic alignment during observation, and horizontal for safe transport through the narrow gap between polepieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the sample stage in a horizontal orientation before transport begins. The lock mechanism is engaged in advance to ensure the stage remains horizontal throughout the transport process, preventing any tilt that could cause collision with polepieces during conveyance through the narrow gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the sample stage is kept horizontal during transport, then collision risk is reduced, but the ability to align crystallographic orientation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport safetyVSAvoidcrystallographic alignment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sample stage employs a dynamic tilt mechanism that allows tilting when mounted in the observation chamber but automatically locks in a horizontal position during transport. The tilt angle is dynamically adjusted based on operational mode: tilted for crystallographic alignment during observation, and horizontal for safe transport through the narrow gap between polepieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the sample stage in a horizontal orientation before transport begins. The lock mechanism is engaged in advance to ensure the stage remains horizontal throughout the transport process, preventing any tilt that could cause collision with polepieces during conveyance through the narrow gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a tilt mechanism is added to the cartridge for crystallographic alignment, then the observation functionality is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrystallographic alignment capabilityVSAvoidcartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample stage employs a dynamic tilt mechanism that allows tilting when mounted in the observation chamber but automatically locks in a horizontal position during transport. The tilt angle is dynamically adjusted based on operational mode: tilted for crystallographic alignment during observation, and horizontal for safe transport through the narrow gap between polepieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning the sample stage in a horizontal orientation before transport begins. The lock mechanism is engaged in advance to ensure the stage remains horizontal throughout the transport process, preventing any tilt that could cause collision with polepieces during conveyance through the narrow gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12112917B2Sample holder and charged particle beam system

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 JEOL LTD

AI summary

There is provided a sample holder which is for use in a charged particle beam system and which can prevent damage to a sample stage during transportation of a cartridge. The sample holder includes: the cartridge having the sample stage for holding a sample therein; and a holder base having a mounting portion to which the cartridge can be mounted. The cartridge has: a tilt mechanism for tilting the sample stage; and a lock lever which, when the cartridge has been taken out from the mounting portion, makes contact with the sample stage and limits tilt of the stage.