SEM Sample Box Opening Under Vacuum With a Pulling Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning electron microscope sample box opening methods are costly and difficult due to reliance on electrical or pressure-driven mechanisms, which can compromise sample integrity by exposing materials to air.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pulling arm mechanism within the scanning electron microscope's exchange chamber to open the sample box under vacuum conditions, allowing for simple and cost-effective sample transfer by translating the box body from the exchange chamber to the sample chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical or pressure-driven mechanisms are used to open the sample box, then the sample box can be opened, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical or pressure-driven opening mechanisms with a simple mechanical pulling arm system. The pulling arm, driven by a basic motor, mechanically pulls the sample box cover to open it, eliminating the need for expensive electrical drivers or pressure control systems while achieving the same opening function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, cost-effective pulling arm mechanism that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than using expensive, complex electrical or pressure-driven systems. This approach prioritizes low-cost, simple components over durable but expensive mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the sample box is opened using traditional methods, then the sample can be accessed, but the sample may be exposed to air causing chemical reactions or water absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the opening action within the vacuum environment of the exchange chamber before the sample is transferred to the sample chamber. The pulling arm opens the sample box cover while the chamber maintains vacuum conditions, preventing air exposure to the sample during the opening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) of the exchange chamber to protect the sample during the opening process. By opening the sample box within the vacuum chamber rather than in air, the sample is prevented from reacting with oxygen or absorbing water during the opening operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a complex electrical or pressure-driven system is used to open the sample box, then the opening function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electrical or pressure-driven opening systems with a simple mechanical pulling arm mechanism. This mechanical system uses basic components that are cheaper to manufacture and assemble, significantly reducing the overall cost of the sample box opening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling arm mechanism is designed to be self-contained and mechanically simple, requiring minimal external control systems or additional components. The system uses the existing vacuum chamber infrastructure and a simple motor to achieve the opening function, eliminating the need for complex electrical drivers or pressure control systems.
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 sample protection from air exposure during opening, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining vacuum integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an inner wall of the exchange chamber 2 is provided with a pulling arm 4; and a sample box including a box body 5 and a box cover 6 sealing the box body 5, wherein the box cover 6 is connected to the pulling arm 4, so that the box body 5 is separated from the box cover 6 when the sample stage base 3 is subjected to an external force
Data Source
AI summary
A system of scanning electron microscope sample box and a method of opening the same are provided, including: a sample chamber (1); an exchange chamber (2) communicated with the sample chamber (1), a sample stage base (3) is disposed in the exchange chamber (2), the sample stage base (3) is subjected to an external force to be translated from the exchange chamber (2) to the sample chamber (1), and an inner wall of the exchange chamber (2) is provided with a pulling arm (4); and a sample box including a box body (5) and a box cover (6) sealing the box body (5), wherein the box body (5) is placed on the sample stage base (3) of the exchange chamber (2), and the box cover (6) is connected to the pulling arm (4), so that the box body (5) is separated from the box cover (6) when the sample stage base (3) is subjected to the external force to translate the box body (5) from the exchange chamber (2) to the sample chamber (1). The method of opening the scanning electron microscope sample box provided by the present disclosure is simple and is easy for implementation, reducing a difficulty and a cost of a process of manufacturing the sample box.