Sample Introduction Device Pre-evacuation Chamber Vacuum Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In charged particle beam instruments like transmission electron microscopes, the pressure difference between the sample chamber and the outside causes the sample holder to be briskly drawn into the chamber, risking sample damage and vacuum deterioration, making it difficult to introduce samples safely.
Innovation Solution
A sample introduction device with a pre-evacuation chamber, mechanical drives, a goniometer, and a controller that controls the mechanical drives and goniometer to move the sample holder from the pre-evacuation chamber into the sample chamber, applying a counterforce to the sample holder to prevent violent insertion and maintaining vacuum integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sample holder is inserted manually into the sample chamber, then the operation is simple, but the pressure difference causes the sample holder to be drawn violently into the chamber, risking sample damage and vacuum deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The sample introduction system is divided into two separate chambers: a pre-evacuation chamber for initial sample holder insertion and a sample chamber for observation. This segmentation allows the sample holder to be loaded safely in the pre-evacuation chamber before being transferred to the sample chamber, preventing violent insertion while maintaining vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-evacuation chamber serves as an intermediary space between the external environment and the sample chamber. It provides a transition zone where the sample holder can be inserted without directly exposing the sample chamber to atmospheric pressure, thus preventing violent insertion while maintaining the vacuum environment in the sample chamber.
2Reliability
If the sample holder is held manually to prevent violent insertion, then sample damage is prevented, but the operation becomes difficult and requires special handling techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical drive system automatically controls the insertion of the sample holder into the sample chamber. The system applies controlled force through the mechanical drive to move the sample holder from the pre-evacuation chamber to the sample chamber without requiring manual intervention or special handling techniques from the operator, thus maintaining sample integrity while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of the sample holder is replaced with an automated mechanical drive system. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually control the insertion process, providing precise control over the sample holder's movement and force application, thereby ensuring sample integrity while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical drives are used to move the sample holder, then easy and controlled introduction is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical drive system is integrated to perform multiple functions: it moves the sample holder from the pre-evacuation chamber to the sample chamber, applies controlled force to prevent violent insertion, and can retrieve the sample holder from the sample chamber. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving controlled sample introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical drive system is combined with the support portion and sample holder assembly into an integrated unit. This merging of components allows the mechanical drive to directly manipulate the sample holder without requiring intermediate mechanisms, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining the capability for controlled, easy sample introduction.
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 easy and safe introduction of samples into the sample chamber while maintaining the vacuum conditions, preventing sample damage and ensuring stable operation of the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-evacuation chamber for performing a pre-evacuation
Implementation Method 2
the pressure difference between the interior of the sample chamber and the outside exerts a force on the sample holder, thus drawing it into the sample chamber
Implementation Method 3
mechanical drives for moving the support portion such that the sample holding portion moves from inside the pre-evacuation chamber into the sample chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample introduction device is offered which permits one to introduce a sample into a sample chamber easily. The sample introduction device (100) is adapted to introduce a sample (S) into the sample chamber (1) of a charged particle beam instrument. The device includes: a pre-evacuation chamber (2) for performing a pre-evacuation; a sample holder (10) having a sample holding portion (12) capable of holding the sample (S); a support portion (20) for supporting the sample holder (10); and mechanical drives (30) for moving the support portion (20) such that the sample holding portion (12) moves from inside the pre-evacuation chamber (2) into the sample chamber (1).