Specimen Transfer Mechanism With Segmented Guidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer mechanisms for specimens in particle-optical instruments, such as TEMs, are bulky, expensive, and unsuitable for direct mounting due to high positional accuracy requirements, which are not necessary when only one holder contacts the specimen, and are not well-suited for vacuum environments.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical guidance mechanism using cooperating parts or a separate member to position holders with higher accuracy during transfer, allowing for compact and lightweight design, and enabling operation in vacuum environments, with optional features like multiple specimen handling and automated processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a robotic arm with high positional accuracy (+/-20 μm) is used to transfer the specimen, then the specimen transfer precision is improved, but the device becomes voluminous, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism is segmented into two distinct phases: transfer phase (where high precision is needed) and holding phase (where lower precision is acceptable). The mechanical guidance mechanism is only activated during the transfer phase, allowing the system to achieve high precision when needed without the overhead of maintaining complex precision mechanisms throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical guidance mechanism dynamically engages only during the specimen transfer operation and disengages when the specimen is held in position. This dynamic activation allows the system to achieve high positional accuracy temporarily during transfer without requiring the entire device to maintain complex precision mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical guidance mechanism is used to position holders with high mutual accuracy during transfer, then the transfer precision is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical guidance mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component that only operates during the transfer phase. This separate mechanism provides high mutual accuracy when needed without requiring the entire holder system to be designed with complex precision features, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining transfer precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical guidance mechanism dynamically engages during transfer and disengages during holding operations. This dynamic operation allows the system to achieve high mutual accuracy temporarily during transfer without requiring the entire device to maintain complex precision mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the transfer mechanism is designed for high positional accuracy, then the specimen handling precision is improved, but the mechanism becomes voluminous and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The high-precision mechanical guidance mechanism is only activated during the transfer phase, allowing the majority of the device to be lightweight and simple. The precision mechanism is segmented from the main body, enabling the system to achieve high positional accuracy during transfer without requiring the entire device to be heavy and complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical guidance mechanism dynamically engages only during transfer operations and disengages during holding operations. This dynamic activation allows the system to achieve high positional accuracy temporarily without requiring the entire device to be designed with heavy precision components, thereby reducing overall weight.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a transfer mechanism for transferring a specimen (2) from a first position in a first holder (40) to a second position in a second holder (10) and/or vice versa, each holder (10, 40) equipped to detachably hold the specimen, the transfer of the specimen between the holders taking place in a transfer position different from the second position, characterized in that when the specimen is transferred between the holders (10, 40) a mechanical guidance mechanism positions the holders with a mutual accuracy higher than the mutual accuracy in the second position, and said mechanical guidance mechanism not positioning at least one of the holders (10, 40) when the specimen is in the second position. The mechanical guidance mechanism may comprise extra parts (50). At least one of the holders (40) may be equipped to hold a multitude of specimens.