Sample Holder Tilt Mechanism Without Fulcrum Retaining Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample holders with double-tilt mechanisms face interference issues due to fulcrum retaining members, restricting large α tilt angles and interfering with characteristic X-ray emission pathways, and are difficult to exchange due to integration with the fulcrum retaining member.

Innovation Solution

A sample holder design that allows β-axis tilting without a fulcrum retaining member, utilizing a driving frame with a link member and fulcrum mechanism to maintain the β-axis position in the focal plane, enabling large α tilt angles and easy exchange of sample stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fulcrum retaining member is used for the β tilt mechanism, then the sample stage can be tilted around the β axis, but the fulcrum retaining member interferes with the upper and lower objective lens pole pieces, preventing large α tilt angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveβ tilt functionVSAvoidα tilt angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the fulcrum retaining member from the β tilt mechanism. Instead of using a traditional fulcrum retaining member that causes interference, the patent employs a link member with a fulcrum that is integrated into the driving frame rather than being a separate retaining component. This extraction eliminates the interference with objective lens pole pieces while maintaining the β tilt function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention nests the fulcrum within the link member structure rather than having it as a separate retaining member. The fulcrum is integrated into the link member that connects the driving frame to the sample stage, creating a nested configuration where the fulcrum is part of the moving linkage rather than a fixed retaining component. This nesting eliminates interference with pole pieces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a fulcrum retaining member is used for the β tilt mechanism, then the sample stage can be tilted around the β axis, but the fulcrum retaining member becomes a barrier to characteristic X-ray emission pathways

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveβ tilt functionVSAvoidX-ray emission barrier

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the fulcrum retaining member that blocks X-ray pathways. By eliminating this separate retaining component and integrating the fulcrum into the link member, the design removes the physical barrier that obstructs characteristic X-rays from reaching the detector, thereby improving microanalysis capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the sample stage is incorporated into the fulcrum retaining member for the β tilt, then the β tilt function is achieved, but the sample stage cannot be removed and exchanged with another sample stage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveβ tilt functionVSAvoidsample stage exchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the sample stage from the β tilt mechanism by removing the integration with the fulcrum retaining member. The sample stage becomes a separate component that can be independently removed and exchanged, while the β tilt function is maintained through the link member mechanism. This segmentation enables both β tilt functionality and sample stage exchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the sample stage from the fulcrum retaining member integration. By removing the sample stage from the fixed fulcrum retaining structure, the patent enables the sample stage to be independently removed and exchanged, while the β tilt mechanism operates through the separate link member and driving frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Strength

If a fulcrum retaining member is used to ensure mechanical strength of the holder, then structural strength is improved, but the member becomes a barrier to the movement of α tilt

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholder mechanical strengthVSAvoidα tilt movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the fulcrum retaining member that causes both strength and movement issues. The mechanical strength is maintained through the integrated link member and driving frame structure, while the removal of the separate fulcrum retaining member eliminates the barrier to α tilt movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7705324B2Sample holder

Publication Date: 2010.04.27 MEL BUILD CORPORATION

AI summary

A sample holder according to the present invention is characterized in that the sample holder comprise a holder body, a sample retaining stage, a means capable for tilting the sample around an axis which is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a long side of the holder body, wherein the means has a mechanism capable for tilting the sample around the axis with no relation to the existence of a fulcrum retaining member at the said axis.