SERS Element Transport Board with Pinching Holding Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surface-enhanced Raman scattering units face damage and optical function part deterioration during transportation due to components in gel packs or tapes, and risk of chipping when mounted on IC chip trays.

Innovation Solution

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering unit with a transportation board and detachable holding part that mechanically secures the SERS element without adhesives, preventing deterioration and damage by pinching the element between the board and holding part, and featuring a depression to restrain the element during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the SERS element is secured using gel packs or tapes during transportation, then the element is protected from damage, but the optical function part deteriorates due to components in the gel pack or tape ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from damageVSAvoidoptical function part deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transportation board as an intermediary carrier between the SERS element and the external environment. This board provides a clean, inert surface that mechanically supports the element during transport without introducing harmful chemical components, thus protecting both the physical integrity and optical performance of the SERS element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical bonding methods (adhesives, gel packs) with a mechanical holding system consisting of a holding part with pinching parts. This mechanical system secures the SERS element through physical constraint rather than chemical adhesion, eliminating the deterioration caused by tape or gel components while maintaining protection from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the SERS element is mounted on an IC chip tray with cover, then the element is protected from physical damage, but the element may be chipped due to vibrations during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from physical damageVSAvoidchipping from vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a depression in the transportation board that is shaped to receive and cradle the SERS element. This pre-formed recessive structure provides cushioning and positional restraint before transportation begins, preventing the element from shifting or contacting hard surfaces during vibration, thus avoiding chipping while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding part with pinching parts acts as an intermediary mechanical constraint system between the SERS element and the transportation board. This system secures the element in a fixed position within the depression, preventing vibration-induced movement that could cause chipping, while the depression itself provides the primary cushioning interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If adhesives or tackifiers are used to secure the SERS element, then the element is held in place during transportation, but the optical function part deteriorates due to chemical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding in placeVSAvoidoptical function part deterioration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent completely replaces chemical adhesion systems (adhesives, tackifiers, gel packs) with a mechanical holding system. The holding part with pinching parts applies physical constraint forces to secure the SERS element, while the depression provides positional restraint. This mechanical approach achieves secure holding without any chemical contact that could deteriorate the optical function part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transportation board with its depression and the holding part serve as intermediary mechanical structures that provide secure holding functionality without introducing harmful chemical components. These intermediaries transfer and distribute mechanical restraint forces while maintaining a clean interface with the SERS element's optical function part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2985594B1Surface-enhanced raman scattering unit and raman spectroscopic analysis method
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP2985594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2985594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2985594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A SERS unit 1A comprises a SERS element 2 having a substrate 21 and an optical function part 20 formed on the substrate 21, the optical function part 20 for generating surface-enhanced Raman scattering; a transportation board 3 supporting the SERS element 2 during transportation, the SERS element 2 being removed from the transportation board 3 upon measurement; and a holding part 4 having a pinching part 41 pinching the SERS element 2 in cooperation with the transportation board 3, and detachably holding the SERS element 2 in the transportation board 3.