Scanning Head Frame with Internal Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available scanning heads for scanning probe microscopes have signal lines that are prone to tearing or falling off due to their exposed and delicate design, making installation and maintenance challenging.
Innovation Solution
A scanning head design with a scanning head frame having oppositely disposed end portions with receiving spaces for a sample table and scanning module, featuring fixed electrodes and spiral wires connected to the scanning module, along with a Pan's stepper motor and focusing lenses, which ensures the signal lines are securely embedded and protected from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the signal lines are exposed outside the scanning head, then the scanning head structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the signal lines are prone to tearing and falling off during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The signal lines are nested inside the scanning head frame, with the scanning module positioned within the scanning head and signal lines routed through internal channels. This nesting approach protects the signal lines from external damage while maintaining a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible wiring structures that can bend and extend within the scanning head frame, allowing the signal lines to accommodate movements of the scanning module while remaining protected. This flexible internal routing prevents signal line damage during operation while maintaining ease of assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the signal lines are exposed outside the scanning head, then the installation process is simple, but the signal lines are difficult to maintain when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning head is divided into modular components including the scanning module, signal line assembly, and frame structure. This segmentation allows damaged signal lines to be replaced by removing and replacing the entire scanning module or signal line assembly as a unit, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If the scanning head adopts a compact modular design, then manufacturing and maintenance costs are reduced, but the signal lines may be damaged during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The signal lines are pre-assembled and pre-positioned within the scanning head frame before the scanning module is installed. This preliminary action ensures that signal lines are already in their correct positions and protected, eliminating the risk of damage during subsequent assembly operations while maintaining the benefits of modular manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning head of a scanning probe microscope includes a scanning head frame having a first end portion and a second end portion which are oppositely disposed, the first end portion and the second end portion defining a first receiving space and a second receiving space, respectively; a sample table located in the first receiving space; a scanning module located in the second receiving space; and a plurality of fixed electrodes fixed on the second end portion of the scanning head frame. Signal lines of the scanning head of the present invention do not fall off or tear off during operation. In addition, the scanning head allows a laser to be incident on its scanning probe, enabling the scanning probe to be coupled with the laser, so that the range of application is wide.