System and method for inserting a sample into a chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for inserting and removing samples from enclosures, such as cryostats, face challenges in minimizing space requirements, reducing access time, and avoiding contamination, while also avoiding the need for cryogenic cooling.

Innovation Solution

A sample insertion system comprising a channel with a vacuum device and a sealing element that creates a pressure gradient to move a sample into a chamber without altering the pressure inside a sealed volume, using a carrier member and a retracting device to control the movement and prevent rapid acceleration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical actuator and bellows system is used to move the sample holder, then the sample can be moved into the chamber, but the system occupies large space and requires complex sealing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample insertion capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical actuator and bellows system with a pressure-driven system. A vacuum is applied to the channel to create a pressure gradient that automatically moves the sealing element and sample holder into the chamber, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining insertion capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses vacuum pressure (pneumatics) to drive the sample holder into the chamber. By creating a pressure difference between the channel and the sample holder volume, the system achieves automatic movement without mechanical actuators, reducing both space requirements and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid sample holder structure is used to maintain sample position, then sample stability is improved, but the system requires larger space and more material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample position stabilityVSAvoidsystem volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sealing element that can deform under pressure differential. This flexible membrane maintains sample stability through pressure control rather than rigid mechanical constraints, significantly reducing the volume required for the sample holder structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the channel is open to atmosphere during sample insertion, then access is simplified, but contamination and pressure equalization issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample accessVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a vacuum environment (inert atmosphere) in the channel to prevent contamination during sample insertion. The vacuum acts as a protective barrier that maintains chamber integrity while allowing sample access, eliminating the need for open atmospheric access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

4Temperature

If cryogenic cooling is used to maintain chamber temperature, then the controlled environment is improved, but the system requires additional cooling infrastructure and space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber temperature controlVSAvoidcooling system

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cryogenic cooling requirement from the sample insertion system. By isolating the sample holder volume and using vacuum-driven insertion, the system allows chamber cooling to be maintained independently without requiring the insertion mechanism itself to be cryogenically cooled, thereby simplifying the overall cooling infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 quick and contamination-free sample insertion into a chamber with reduced space requirements and without the need for cryogenic cooling, while maintaining controlled environments for temperature and pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure difference or a pressure gradient may be created between the volume sealed-off by the sealing element and the rest of the channel, resulting in a force directed from the volume sealed-off by the sealing element towards the rest of the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The vacuum device may decrease a pressure in the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3632560B1System and method for inserting a sample into a chamber

Publication Date: 2022.03.02 KIUTRA GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A sample insertion system (20) comprises a channel (12), a sealing element (16) and a vacuum device (18). The channel (12) has a port (14) connectable to a chamber. The vacuum device (18) may decrease a pressure in the channel (12). The sealing element (16) is arranged in the channel (12) and seals off a volume (V) from the channel (12). The sealing element (16) comprises a carrier member (22) to carry a sample. The sealing element (16) is configured to move the carrier member (22) towards the port (14) in response to the pressure in the channel (12) decreasing below a pressure in the volume (V) sealed-off by the sealing element (16).