Cryogenic Sample Cassette Puck for Cryo-EM
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling, storage, and shipping infrastructure for cryo-electron microscopy samples is primitive and not well-developed, lacking compatibility with existing tools and infrastructure used in X-ray crystallography, which hinders efficient high-throughput handling and management of cryo-EM samples.
Innovation Solution
A cassette puck system designed to hold and manage cryo-EM sample cassettes, compatible with X-ray cryocrystallography tools, featuring a receptacle for sample cassettes, gripping holes, grooves for tongs, a locking mechanism, and magnetic alignment, allowing seamless integration with existing cryocrystallography handling and storage systems, including liquid nitrogen handling and transport canes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated cryo-EM sample handling system is developed, then sample handling efficiency and compatibility with cryo-EM infrastructure improve, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette puck is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a storage container for cryo-EM cassettes, a transport vehicle compatible with existing cryo-EM infrastructure (canes, liquid nitrogen dewars), and a handling interface for automated systems. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette puck serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between cryo-EM cassettes and existing cryo-EM infrastructure. Rather than requiring complete infrastructure overhaul, the puck interfaces with existing canes, loading stations, and storage systems, enabling incremental adoption and reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If existing X-ray crystallography tools are used for cryo-EM samples, then infrastructure utilization improves, but sample handling compatibility and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette puck is designed with features that make it universally compatible with both X-ray crystallography infrastructure (canes, storage systems, handling tools) and cryo-EM requirements. The puck's standardized dimensions, gripping features, and locking mechanisms allow it to be reliably handled by existing crystallography tools while maintaining cryo-EM sample integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The puck incorporates specific dimensional parameters and geometric features (such as the recess depth, gripping hole positions, and locking mechanism dimensions) that are optimized to work with existing crystallography infrastructure. These parameter choices enable reliable handling with standard crystallography tools while meeting cryo-EM sample storage requirements
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of cryo-EM samples is used, then equipment cost decreases, but handling time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette puck incorporates self-aligning features (such as the recess that receives the cassette and the gripping holes that automatically position for tool engagement) that reduce the skill level and time required for manual handling. The design allows operators to quickly load and unload cassettes without complex alignment procedures, improving ease of operation and handling speed
Solution Approach 2:
The puck includes pre-configured features such as pre-positioned gripping holes, pre-formed recesses for cassette insertion, and pre-installed locking mechanisms that prepare the system for rapid handling. These preliminary design actions enable quick loading and unloading operations, increasing productivity without requiring complex manual 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 efficient storage, shipping, and handling of cryo-EM samples by leveraging existing X-ray crystallography infrastructure, maintaining sample integrity and facilitating automated handling and tracking, thus improving the overall workflow and compatibility with existing facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet on the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing and shipping samples for cryo-electron microscopy. The system comprising a cassette puck and support platform that accepts commercial cryo-EM sample cassettes and is compatible to a substantial extent with tools used in cryocrystallography. The system can also work with existing Cryo-EM storage and transport puck and cane systems. The cassette puck comprising a receptacle for holding one or more cassettes and a plurality of holes and grooves. The holes and grooves being configured for use with other tools such as tongs, support platforms, and canes.