Reusable TEM Sample Holder with Spring Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current assemblies for holding microscopy samples, particularly TEM grid-mounted samples, are prone to breakage and damage due to their fragile structure, and existing solutions fail to adequately protect samples during handling and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A sample holding assembly comprising a first and second part with a resilient member providing compressive force to secure the sample without causing damage, featuring a mounting element for securing to microscopy instruments or storage containers, and alignment elements for proper positioning, with optional features like elastomeric members, springs, and adjustable mechanisms for secure and damage-free sample handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional assemblies are used to hold TEM grid-mounted samples, then the samples can be held for observation, but the fragile structure causes breakage and damage during handling and transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample integrityVSAvoidholder structure strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a resilient member (spring element) that provides pre-compressive force between the first and second parts. This cushioning element absorbs shocks and mechanical stresses during handling and transportation, protecting the fragile TEM grid-mounted samples from breakage while maintaining secure holding capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the holder structure by introducing a resilient member that provides controlled compressive force. This allows the holder to transition from a rigid, fragile structure to a compliant structure that can accommodate and protect the delicate samples without causing damage through excessive clamping force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If adhesive methods are used to secure samples, then samples can be firmly attached, but adhesives may contaminate or damage the sample and require cleanup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample attachment securityVSAvoidadhesive contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful adhesive substance from the sample attachment process. Instead of using adhesives to secure the TEM grid-mounted samples, the invention employs a mechanical clamping mechanism with a resilient member that provides secure attachment through compressive force alone, eliminating contamination risks and cleanup requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member acts as an intermediary between the holder structure and the sample. It provides the necessary securing force through elastic compression without direct chemical contact or adhesive bonding, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining reliable sample attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the holder structure is made more robust to prevent breakage, then sample protection improves, but the complexity of the assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample protectionVSAvoidholder assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the holder assembly into distinct functional components: a first part, a second part, and a resilient member positioned between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function (structural support, clamping force application, and shock absorption) while keeping the overall design simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a resilient member (flexible element) that provides robust protection through elastic deformation rather than rigid structure. This flexible component absorbs mechanical stresses and protects the fragile samples without requiring a complex rigid framework, thereby maintaining sample protection while minimizing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 assembly effectively secures and protects microscopy samples, preventing breakage and damage during handling and storage, allowing for secure observation and processing without adhesives, and facilitating easy sample access and alignment for precise microscopy.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient member positioned to provide a compressive force between the first part and the second part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7759656B1Reusable holder for transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and focused ion beam samples

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 TED PELLA

AI summary

An assembly for holding a microscopy sample for storage, observation, manipulation, characterization and/or study of the sample using a microscopy instrument is provided. The assembly includes mating first and second parts having faces between which a microscopy sample, including a TEM grid mounted sample, is secured. A spring is used to provide compression between the faces. A rotatable member such as a threaded screw is operable to draw the parts apart from one another. An annular wall functions to protect microscopy samples held in the assembly from damage.