Specimen Holder Insert for AFM Microtome Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Specimens prepared by microtomes or ultramicrotomes for AFM examination face challenges in maintaining a flat, parallel surface during transfer from the cutting device to the AFM, as existing specimen holders are difficult to remove and prone to damage or moisture condensation in refrigerated environments.
Innovation Solution
A specimen holder comprising an insert, a base element, and a receiving ring with a slot for easy connection and disconnection, along with a cover using magnets for secure transport, allowing the insert to be quickly removed and aligned with the AFM without altering the specimen's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the specimen holder uses three screws for securing the insert, then the specimen is firmly held during cutting, but the removal process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring rotation to multiple positions
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder is divided into three separate components: a base element, a receiving ring, and an insert. The insert can be independently removed from the receiving ring without affecting the base element, enabling quick removal without rotating through multiple screw positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is extracted as a separate removable component from the receiving ring. This allows the insert to be quickly taken out after cutting without needing to disassemble the entire specimen holder or rotate to multiple positions, significantly simplifying the removal process.
2Ease of operation
If the insert is removed from a refrigerated chamber, then the specimen can be transferred to the AFM, but moisture condenses on the surface rendering it unusable
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is provided that can be placed on the insert before removal from the refrigerated chamber. This preliminary action of covering the insert prevents moisture condensation on the specimen surface during the transfer process from the cold chamber to the AFM.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the insert and the ambient atmosphere. By placing the cover on the insert before removal from the refrigerated chamber, it mediates the temperature difference and prevents harmful moisture condensation on the specimen surface.
3Manufacturing precision
If the specimen holder is designed for secure mounting in the cutting device, then cutting precision is maintained, but the alignment with the AFM piezoelement becomes difficult after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is designed with a universal interface that can be mounted both in the cutting device and on the AFM piezoelement. The flat surface of the insert serves dual purposes: as the cutting surface in the microtome/ultramicrotome and as the mounting surface for the AFM tip, eliminating the need for realignment.
4Strength
If the receiving ring is made as a single solid piece, then structural strength is maintained, but the slot for insert insertion requires precise manufacturing increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving ring incorporates a slot that allows dynamic insertion and removal of the insert. The slot is designed with sufficient width to accommodate the insert during insertion and removal operations, while maintaining structural integrity of the receiving ring when the insert is in place.
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 efficient and damage-free transfer of specimens from the cutting device to the AFM, preventing moisture condensation and ensuring the specimen's surface remains undisturbed, allowing immediate examination without re-alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a cover, with the aid of which the insert can be easily removed, is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen holder (10) is proposed in order to create a capability for preparing, in a cutting device, in particular a microtome or ultramicrotome, a specimen that is to examined in an AFM. The specimen holder (10) is embodied in several parts. It comprises an insert (12) in which the specimen is secured. Also provided is a receiving ring (14) in which the insert (12) can be received. The insert together with the receiving ring (14) is mounted, in particular thread-joined, on a base element (16). As a result of the mounting of the receiving ring (14) on the base element (16), the insert together with the specimen is fixed in its position.