Sample Holder Power Separator for Arbitrary Axis Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for charged particle beam apparatuses require additional space to return a sample to the first rotational axis after rotation around a second axis, necessitating either downsizing of parts or increasing the holder size, which is difficult due to processing challenges and modifications to the transmission electron microscope specifications.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder design incorporating a power separator that separates input movement into two distinct movements, allowing for linear and rotational movements of the first rotational jig, enabling arbitrary angle rotations around both the x-axis and y-axis without removing the sample from the sample chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slide jig is added to return the sample onto the first rotational axis after rotation around the second axis, then the sample can be repositioned, but the sample holder size needs to be increased to provide additional space for the transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the repositioning function into the existing rotational jig structure. The rotational jig is designed to perform both the rotation around the second axis and the return movement to the first rotational axis, eliminating the need for a separate slide jig. This merging of functions maintains the sample holder size while achieving the required sample repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational jig is designed as a multi-functional component that can perform multiple operations: holding the sample, rotating it around the second axis, and returning it to the first rotational axis. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, avoiding the need for additional space-consuming components.
2Area of stationary object
If parts are downsized to accommodate additional space for the slide jig, then the sample holder size can be maintained, but the processing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the repositioning function into the existing rotational jig, the patent avoids the need for additional parts or downsizing existing components. The rotational jig maintains its original dimensions while incorporating the additional functionality, thereby avoiding increased processing difficulty associated with downsized or complex additional parts.
3Ease of operation
If the sample is taken out of the sample chamber for repositioning, then the slide jig can operate, but the observation time increases and the sample may be exposed to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational jig acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables sample repositioning within the vacuum environment of the sample chamber. By providing this capability inside the chamber, the sample never needs to be exposed to the atmosphere, and all repositioning operations can be performed without breaking vacuum, thereby maintaining continuous observation capability.
4Ease of operation
If a transfer mechanism is added to return the sample onto the first rotational axis, then the sample can be repositioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the repositioning function into the existing rotational jig, eliminating the need for a separate transfer mechanism. The rotational jig is designed to perform both rotations and return movements, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining full repositioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational jig is designed as a universal component that handles multiple operations including sample holding, rotation around the second axis, and return to the first rotational axis. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single well-designed component.
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
Enables series of operations for obtaining rotational series images at arbitrary angles around both axes within the sample chamber, reducing the need for additional space and maintaining the original size of the sample holder, thus shortening observation time and preventing sample exposure to the atmosphere, which can cause material changes.
Implementation Method 1
a power separator that separates one input movement into two movements
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a sample holder that can carry out a series of observations in which a rotational series image at arbitrary angles, namely, from −180° to +180° around the x-axis of an observation region and a rotational series image at arbitrary angles, namely, from −180° to +180° around the y-axis are obtained without taking a sample out of a sample chamber.A sample holder includes a power unit, a power separator, a rotational movement transmission mechanism, and a linear movement transmission mechanism. The power separator separates one movement of the power unit to be distributed to the rotational movement transmission mechanism and the linear movement transmission mechanism. The rotational movement transmission mechanism provides a rotational movement around a second rotational axis. The linear movement transmission mechanism provides a linear movement around the second rotational axis.