Vacuum Sample Transfer Kit for Flag-Type and Unisoku Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility between flag-type and Unisoku sample holders poses challenges in transferring samples between these machines while maintaining vacuum conditions, as they employ different engagement mechanisms, making seamless transfer difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional transfer kit comprising a planar sample holder, transfer plate, and adaptor with protrusions and connection sites enables rotation and translation, allowing seamless transfer between flag-type and Unisoku holders under vacuum conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flag-type sample holder is used in vacuum instrument, then sample can be studied with standard vacuum techniques, but cannot be transferred to Unisoku system with different engagement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer adaptor is introduced as an intermediary component that interfaces between the flag-type sample holder and the Unisoku sample holder. The adaptor includes a first interface that engages with the flag-type holder and a second interface that engages with the Unisoku holder, enabling transfer of the sample stage between the two different vacuum instruments without direct compatibility between the holders themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder system is divided into separate functional components: the flag-type sample holder, the transfer adaptor, and the Unisoku sample holder. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original design while the adaptor serves as a bridge, enabling interoperability between the previously incompatible systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sample transfer is performed between different vacuum instruments, then comprehensive investigations can be conducted, but sample may be exposed to air and lose vacuum conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer process is designed to maintain continuous vacuum exposure. The transfer adaptor and sample holder configuration allow the sample to remain under vacuum throughout the transfer operation, eliminating exposure to air. The system enables seamless transition between different vacuum instruments while preserving the vacuum environment, ensuring reliable maintenance of vacuum conditions during comprehensive sample investigations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter kit for transferring a sample between a first vacuum instrument and a second vacuum instrument. The kit includes a substantially planar sample holder comprising at least one holder tab, a transfer plate comprising a sample region, at least one plate tab, and at least one connection site, all disposed outside of the sample region, and a transfer adaptor comprising at least one protrusion adapted to be connected to the transfer plate via the at least one connection site to enable rotation and translation of the transfer plate. The plate tab is insertable behind a backside of the holder tab by a rotational movement of the transfer plate.