Thin Section Transfer via Liquid Bridge Surface Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin-section sample fabrication methods face challenges in securely placing thin sections on a sample table using a small amount of transfer liquid, leading to increased apparatus size and bubble formation, as well as requiring complex operations to achieve high transfer success rates.
Innovation Solution
A thin-section sample fabrication apparatus that forms a liquid phase on the transport surface, allowing the thin section to be transferred onto a slide glass using surface tension, with a mechanism to extend the liquid phase and control relative displacement for smooth transfer, reducing the need for large liquid volumes and complex operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the folded-back end of the belt is disposed to be inclined to the liquid surface in a liquid tank, then the thin section can be transferred onto the slide glass, but the depth of the liquid tank needs to be increased to a minimum of 60 mm, increasing the overall apparatus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transfer mechanism from a vertical liquid tank immersion method to a horizontal liquid bridge method. The liquid phase is supplied between the transport surface and sample table to form a horizontal liquid bridge, eliminating the need for deep vertical liquid tanks while maintaining transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid phase as an intermediary medium between the transport surface and sample table. This liquid bridge acts as a mediator that enables thin section transfer through surface tension without requiring the transport surface to be submerged in a large liquid tank.
2Reliability
If the folded-back end of the belt is disposed to be inclined to the liquid surface in a liquid tank, then the thin section can be transferred onto the slide glass, but the total flow rate of the liquid flowing in the liquid tank is increased, increasing bubble generation
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid phase serves as an intermediary that enables transfer with minimal liquid volume. By forming a localized liquid bridge rather than immersing in a large tank, the total liquid flow rate is reduced, thereby minimizing bubble generation while maintaining transfer reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the liquid volume parameter from large (liquid tank) to minimal (liquid bridge). This parameter change reduces the total flow rate and consequently reduces bubble formation, while the liquid bridge still provides sufficient surface tension for reliable transfer.
3Reliability
If transfer water drops on the upper surface of the slide glass, then the thin section can be transferred onto the slide glass, but the transfer success rate is only approximately 50%, requiring complicated and specific operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a continuous liquid phase bridge as an intermediary between the transport surface and sample table. This liquid bridge provides consistent surface tension across the transfer interface, enabling reliable transfer without requiring complicated operations such as carrier tape bending or precise drop placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid phase automatically forms a bridge between the transport surface and sample table through capillary action and surface tension. This self-forming liquid bridge eliminates the need for complex operational steps, allowing the system to achieve high transfer success rates through the inherent properties of the liquid phase rather than complicated procedures.
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 easy and secure placement of thin sections on the slide glass using a minimal amount of transfer liquid, reducing apparatus size and minimizing bubble formation, while simplifying the transfer process and enhancing transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid phase having a predetermined amount of transfer liquid which continues from the transport surface (23a) onto the slide glass (3) is formed by the transfer liquid supply portion (28)... the thin section (2), which is adsorbed to the transport surface (23a) by surface tension of water, is transferred onto the liquid phase (29)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(D)
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A thin-section sample fabrication apparatus includes a sample table that places a thin section cut out from an embedding block, a transporting mechanism that moves the thin section to the vicinity of the sample table, a liquid phase forming portion that forms a liquid phase having a predetermined amount of transfer liquid which continues from the transport surface onto the sample table, and a thin-section transfer portion that transfers the thin section onto the sample table so that a surface of the thin section opposing the transport surface opposes the sample table by surface tension of the liquid phase formed by the liquid phase forming portion.