Cryogenic Sample Transfer Shielding Against Gas Stream Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample transfer devices in cryo-microscopy face high risks of contamination and devitrification due to gas streams hitting the sample during transfer under cryogenic conditions, which degrade the quality of frozen samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample transfer device with a shielding member that blocks or deflects incoming gas streams, protecting the sample during transfer by assuming a position that either fixes the sample in place or redirects the gas stream away from the sample path, combined with a shutter mechanism to control the transfer path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shutter unblocks the connection opening to enable sample transfer, then the transfer path becomes accessible, but gas streams enter and hit the sample causing contamination and devitrification
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary element between the connection opening and the sample. This shielding member can be positioned to block the transfer path and protect the sample from incoming gas streams when the shutter is open, while still allowing the shutter mechanism to function for sample transfer when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding member is configured to be movable between different positions - a first position where it blocks the transfer path and protects the sample from gas streams, and a second position where it allows the transfer path to be clear for sample transfer. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing protection during shutter operation while enabling transfer when required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the shielding member blocks the transfer path to protect the sample from gas streams, then contamination risk is reduced, but sample transfer is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding member is designed to be dynamically positionable between a first position where it blocks the transfer path to deflect gas streams away from the sample, and a second position where it moves aside to clear the transfer path for sample transfer. This dynamic capability allows the system to alternately provide protection and enable transfer based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding member provides preliminary protection by being positioned to block the transfer path before gas streams can reach the sample when the shutter opens. This preliminary anti-action prevents contamination before it can occur, and the shielding member can then be moved to the second position to allow transfer to proceed.
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
Minimizes contamination and devitrification risks by ensuring a controlled transfer environment, maintaining the integrity of the sample quality for cryogenic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A sample transfer device with a shielding member that blocks or deflects incoming gas streams, protecting the sample during transfer by assuming a position that either fixes the sample in place or redirects the gas stream away from the sample path
Implementation Method 2
combined with a shutter mechanism to control the transfer path
Implementation Method 3
The frozen samples, which as a general rule are located on electron-microscope sample carriers known per se, for example a grid or a pin stub mount for scanning electron microscopy, must be conveyed (under the aforesaid cryogenic conditions and with water excluded) into corresponding sample carrier mounts
Data Source
AI summary
A sample transfer device (100) for receiving a sample inside the sample transfer device (100) and for transferring the sample to a processing or analysing unit includes a connection opening (110) defining a transfer path (114) along which the sample is to be transferred from a loading position (120) of the sample inside the sample transfer device (100) through the connection opening (110), a shutter (130) configured to block the connection opening (110) or to unblock the connection opening (110), and a shielding member (140) configured to be arranged between the connection opening (110) and the loading position (120) to protect the sample from an incoming gas stream when the shutter (130) unblocks the connection opening (110).