Conductive Fiber Tip for Cryosection Transfer in TEM
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing ultrathin cryosections in transmission electron microscopy are labor-intensive and require high manual dexterity, leading to inefficiencies and high rejection rates, especially when handling section ribbons with non-conductive fibers, which complicates the attachment and transfer of sections to grids.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an electrically conductive fiber tip coated with a conductive surface layer, which is ionized to securely attach and manipulate section ribbons, allowing for precise and permanent connection to a micromanipulator, simplifying the handling and transfer of section ribbons to TEM grids with reduced manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-conductive fibers are used to handle section ribbons, then manual manipulation is possible, but the attachment and transfer of sections to grids becomes complex and requires high manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated ionization-based system. The ionizer creates electrostatic fields that automatically guide and attach section ribbons to grids, eliminating the need for manual dexterity while reducing process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ionizer as an intermediary device between the section ribbon and the grid. This ionizer mediates the attachment process by creating charged particles that facilitate automatic bonding, replacing the need for direct manual handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of section ribbons is performed, then flexibility in manipulation is achieved, but reproducibility decreases and rejection rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated ionization system that provides consistent, reproducible results. The electrostatic field generation and section attachment processes are automated, eliminating variability introduced by manual manipulation while maintaining flexibility through programmable control.
3Manufacturing precision
If ionization is applied to reduce section compression, then section quality improves, but the process requires additional equipment and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the ionizer serve multiple functions: it reduces section compression during cutting, facilitates automatic attachment of sections to grids, and enables reproducible handling throughout the process. This multi-functionality justifies the equipment addition by eliminating the need for separate manual operations.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional embedding and cutting methods are used, then specimen preparation is achievable, but 60-80% of specimen mass is lost and artifacts are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of specimen state from embedded solid to vitrified (rapidly frozen) material. This parameter change enables cutting without the need for embedding media, preserving 100% of specimen mass and avoiding artifacts introduced by traditional embedding processes while maintaining preparation feasibility.
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
This approach significantly increases reproducibility and reduces rejection rates, enabling averagely trained personnel to produce high-quality section ribbons efficiently, with improved handling and reduced contamination by ice crystals, thus enhancing the success rate of TEM examinations.
Implementation Method 1
By ionizing the cutting environment (distance from knife edge around 15-20 mm) with a commercially available ionizer
Implementation Method 2
A device and method utilizing an electrically conductive fiber tip coated with a conductive surface layer, which is ionized to securely attach and manipulate section ribbons
Data Source
AI summary
A device has two mutually independent tools first to manipulate the section ribbons and second to manipulate the specimen holders (grids). Each of the tools can be positioned independently during the cutting process by two mutually independent micromanipulators. The tool for manipulating the section ribbons has a metal tube, a tube of an electrically insulating material and an exchangeable tip. A resilient fiber of dielectric material fitted with an electrically conductive surface coating is exchangeably mounted in the tip and is used for delicate handling of the section ribbons.