TEM Sample Holder with Kinked Wires for Double Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample holders for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) lack double tilt capability, air-free transfer capability, and durable connections, making them unsuitable for in situ investigations of air-sensitive samples like solid-state battery materials, and are often bulky and difficult to use in glove boxes.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder tip with a cradle rotatably coupled to a frame, featuring a connector assembly with bent and kinked connecting wires that allow for double tilt and secure sample positioning, enabling beta tilt and maintaining connections while accommodating samples of varying thickness, and incorporating a retraction mechanism for air-free sample preparation and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid electrical connector with flat linear configuration is used, then electrical connections are established, but tilting capability is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) instead of rigid electrical connectors. The FPC can bend and deform to accommodate tilting movements of the sample holder while maintaining reliable electrical connections between the sample and the holder, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and tilting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during operation. The FPC dynamically changes its configuration to follow the tilting motion of the sample holder, ensuring continuous electrical contact throughout the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a double tilt mechanism is added to the sample holder, then tilting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double tilt mechanism is divided into two independent rotational joints: an alpha tilt mechanism for rotation about the longitudinal axis and a beta tilt mechanism for tilting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Each joint can be controlled independently, allowing complex sample orientations to be achieved through sequential simple rotations, thereby managing mechanical complexity while providing full double tilt capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retraction mechanism is incorporated into the sample holder, then air-free sample transfer is enabled, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder employs a nested structure where the sample stage can be retracted into the holder body. The FPC is routed through channels within the holder structure, and electrical connections are made at the holder body rather than requiring external wiring. This nesting approach enables air-free sample transfer while minimizing the overall holder footprint and reducing mechanical complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple components (sample support device, lid, fastener) are assembled on the sample holder, then electrical connections are established, but the holder becomes bulky and incompatible with retraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical connection function directly into the holder body structure. The FPC is embedded within the holder, and electrical contacts are built-in at the holder body rather than requiring separate sample support devices and lids with external fasteners. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components, minimizes holder volume, and maintains compatibility with retraction mechanisms.
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 sample holder tip provides a compact design with durable connections for in situ studies, allowing for greater beta tilt without fatigue and enabling efficient handling and analysis of air-sensitive samples, including solid-state battery materials, while reducing the need for additional fasteners and improving ergonomics during sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of connecting wires include a first outward convex bend (bulging downward from a bottom surface of the connector support element)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a retraction mechanism for air-free sample preparation and transfer
Implementation Method 3
A sample holder tip for transmission electron microscopy, comprising: a frame, a cradle rotatably coupled to the frame and comprising a sample stage
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder tip for use in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for performing in-situ experiments is described which facilitates in situ analysis of air-sensitive samples and allows physical manipulation of the sample. This includes, but is not limited to translation, rotation, electrical biasing, and heating/cooling for one or more individual cradles. The sample holder tip incorporates a compact design which eases sample loading and enables direct linkages between consecutive cradles, allowing a single tilt actuator to rotate each cradle around its respective eucentric position. Each of the connecting wires incorporates one or more bends or kinks which enable conductive access to the sample holder tip while also preserving the ability to also retract/extend the tip and tilt individual cradles with at least two degrees of freedom.