Vacuum Probe Cassette Clamping for Secure Probe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe cassettes fail to provide adequate clamping for probe devices, leading to potential damage during transportation and handling, and may introduce particles to the sample, with mechanical clamping being insufficient and sensitive to probe device thickness variations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum clamping mechanism is employed in the probe cassette, using a vacuum clamping member connected to a vacuum source through apertures in the cassette body to securely hold probe devices, allowing for precise and adjustable retention without mechanical retainers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamping is used to hold probe devices in the cassette, then the probe devices can be retained in position, but the clamping force is insufficient and may damage the probe devices during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clamping system with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets are integrated into the cassette body to generate magnetic forces that hold the probe devices in position without mechanical contact, thereby providing sufficient retention force without risking damage to the delicate probe devices during transportation and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a vacuum system with suction cups to provide enhanced clamping force. By creating a vacuum environment, the suction cups generate strong adhesive forces that securely hold the probe devices against the cassette body, preventing displacement during transportation while allowing easy release when needed.
2Reliability
If mechanical retainers are used to clamp probe devices, then the devices can be held securely, but the system is sensitive to variations in probe device thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based retention system and vacuum suction cups provide a universal holding mechanism that adapts to probe devices of varying thicknesses. The magnetic force and vacuum pressure automatically adjust to accommodate different probe dimensions without requiring mechanical adjustment, making the system compatible with probes from different manufacturers and specifications.
3Reliability
If a lid with mechanical retainers is used to cover the cassette, then the probe devices can be secured, but particles may be introduced to the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical retainers that could shed particles by replacing them with a magnetic field-based system and vacuum suction cups. These non-contact or minimal-contact retention methods secure the probe devices without introducing particulate contamination, thereby protecting sample integrity during handling and transportation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid holding elements are used to keep probe devices in position, then the devices can be maintained substantially in position during transport, but the probe devices may displace when the lid is opened or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system with suction cups provides dynamic retention that maintains probe device position stability during transport. When the lid is opened or removed, the vacuum force continues to hold the probes in place, preventing displacement. The system allows controlled release when needed, providing both stability and handling flexibility.
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 vacuum clamping mechanism effectively maintains probe devices in position during transportation and handling, reducing the risk of damage and particle contamination, while being less sensitive to device thickness variations and allowing for easy alignment and loading into probe-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum clamping member arranged for selectively holding the probe device under a retaining force, wherein at the receptacle at least one aperture is arranged, which is, during selective holding of the probe device, connectable to a vacuum pressure through a passageway arranged in the cassette body
Data Source
AI summary
A probe cassette for storing, transporting and handling one or more probe devices for a probe based system, the cassette including a body having at least one probe receptacle arranged to accommodate a probe device, wherein, at the probe receptacle, a vacuum clamping member is arranged for selectively holding the probe device under a retaining force, wherein the receptacle includes at least one aperture which is, during selective holding of the probe device, connectable to a vacuum pressure through a passageway arranged in the cassette body, wherein the cassette includes a first fluid port connectable to a first source of vacuum for delivering the vacuum pressure.