TEM Grid Fixing Tool with C-Shaped Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electron microscopy, particularly in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it is challenging to reliably and efficiently fix a small object grid within a specimen carrier assembly, leading to shading issues and difficulty in achieving wide-angle exposure of the sample to the electron beam due to the clamping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elongate hollow handling device and a cylindrical pin is used to insert and secure a C-shaped resilient fixing ring into the specimen holder, allowing for precise and low-profile clamping of the object grid, while the specimen holder's beveled design minimizes shading and facilitates wide-angle access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a C-shaped resilient fixing ring is used to clamp the object grid in the specimen holder, then the object grid is securely fixed, but the fixing ring obstructs the electron beam and causes shading issues
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing ring is designed with a C-shaped cross-section rather than a complete circular ring, changing the dimensional configuration to reduce material in the beam path. This allows the grid to be securely clamped while minimizing the obstructing profile that causes shading in the electron beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into a C-shaped ring that can be inserted through the grid from one side only, rather than requiring a complete circular clamp. This segmentation allows the fixing function to be achieved with minimal material present in the electron beam path, reducing shading while maintaining clamping reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual clamping of the small object grid is performed, then the grid can be fixed in the carrier, but it is difficult to achieve firm clamping and wide-angle exposure due to the small size and precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The C-shaped resilient fixing ring utilizes its own elasticity and resilience to automatically clamp the grid firmly upon insertion. The ring's inherent mechanical properties provide the clamping force, eliminating the need for additional manual adjustment mechanisms and making the operation simple while ensuring precise and firm clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing ring is designed with specific elastic and resilient parameters that allow it to deform during insertion and then maintain a constant clamping force on the grid. This parameter optimization enables easy insertion while ensuring precise and reliable clamping without requiring complex manual operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the specimen holder uses a standard circular aperture design, then the grid can be mounted, but the clamping mechanism creates shading and limits wide-angle exposure of the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen holder aperture and fixing ring are designed with optimized dimensional configurations where the C-shaped ring fits within the circular aperture but extends minimally into the beam path. This dimensional optimization allows for wide-angle exposure while maintaining secure clamping and reducing shading effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into a C-shaped configuration that opens toward the beam path, allowing the grid to be clamped firmly while leaving the center of the aperture clear for wide-angle electron beam access. This segmentation reduces shading and enables comprehensive imaging and diffraction analysis from multiple angles.
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
The tool enables reliable and efficient assembly of the specimen carrier system, reducing shading and allowing for the object grid to be securely fixed without obstructing the electron beam, thereby enabling comprehensive imaging and diffraction analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a C-shaped resilient fixing ring for removably fixing the object grid into a groove of the specimen holder
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A tool (10) for assembling a specimen carrier assembly (20) in an electron imaging apparatus, the specimen carrier assembly comprising a specimen holder (21), an object grid (22) containing the sample during measurement in the analytical apparatus, and a C-shaped resilient fixing ring (23) for removably fixing the object grid into a groove (24) of the specimen holder, is characterized in that the tool comprises an elongate hollow handling device (11) with a holding sleeve (11') surrounding a cylindrical pin (11"); that the cylindrical pin is translatory movable within the holding sleeve in both directions from a first position in which the pin protrudes from the holding sleeve at its lower end to a second position in which the pin is retracted into the holding sleeve, and back; and that the hollow handling device is designed and dimensioned in such a way that the C-shaped fixing ring can be pushed into the groove of the specimen holder by moving the cylindrical pin into its first position. This allows the object grid to be conveniently and reliably fixed in the carrier assembly.