Cryogenic Sample Carousel Indexing for Low-Boil-Off Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cryogenic sample cooling and handling, particularly in X-ray crystallography and cryoelectron microscopy, face challenges such as excessive liquid nitrogen boil-off and contamination due to exposure to ambient air, and require complex mechanisms for precise sample positioning in cryogenic environments.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic sample positioning system utilizing an epicyclic continuously indexing mechanism with a carousel gear and planet drive gears allows for precise positioning of sample holder cassettes within a cryogenic chamber, minimizing exposure to ambient air and reducing boil-off, using a combination of rotational and axial motions to align sample openings with the cryogenic liquid surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If samples are transferred manually by hand into liquid nitrogen, then操作简单 (operation is simple), but liquid nitrogen boil-off is excessive and contamination occurs due to exposure to ambient air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated sample transfer system with a robotic arm as an intermediary between the sample holder and liquid nitrogen. This robotic arm operates within a controlled environment that minimizes exposure to ambient air, thereby reducing liquid nitrogen boil-off and contamination while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere by enclosing the liquid nitrogen and sample transfer process in a controlled environment that minimizes contact with ambient air. This reduces the harmful effects of air exposure on liquid nitrogen (boil-off and contamination) while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
2Loss of substance
If automated sample transfer system is implemented, then liquid nitrogen consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic arm as an intermediary device that automates the sample transfer process. While this increases device complexity, it significantly reduces liquid nitrogen consumption by minimizing exposure to ambient air. The robotic arm operates within a controlled environment, ensuring efficient sample transfer with reduced cryogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. This substitution reduces liquid nitrogen consumption through precise, controlled sample transfer but inherently increases device complexity. The automation allows for more efficient and repeatable operations with reduced cryogen loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise sample positioning is achieved through complex positioning mechanisms, then sample positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as an intermediary positioning mechanism that achieves precise sample positioning through automated control. While this increases device complexity, it provides accurate and repeatable sample placement. The robotic system can be programmed to position samples with high precision, reducing the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an automated robotic positioning system. This substitution achieves precise sample positioning through electronic control and programming, though it increases device complexity. The robotic system offers advantages in precision, repeatability, and ease of control compared to purely mechanical systems.
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 system effectively maintains samples at cryogenic temperatures for extended periods, reduces liquid nitrogen consumption, and enhances the reliability and reproducibility of sample handling by minimizing frost accumulation and contamination, while allowing for precise positioning of samples within the cryogenic chamber.
Implementation Method 1
Cryogenic Sample Cooling and Handling in X-Ray Crystallography... crystals cooled to T=100 K or below... plunged by hand into an open-mouth Chamber or an open foam box filled with liquid nitrogen
Implementation Method 2
A cryogenic sample positioning system utilizing an epicyclic continuously indexing mechanism with a carousel gear and planet drive gears allows for precise positioning of sample holder cassettes... using a combination of rotational and axial motions
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a cryogenic sample positioning system are provided which include: a sample holder cassette that is vertically coupled to a carousel gear through a first shaft. Each sample holder cassette has a first degree of rotation about the first shaft. A first planet drive gear underlies and is vertically coupled to the carousel gear through a second shaft that extends from the carousel gear through the first planet drive gear. The carousel gear has a second degree of rotation about the second shaft that is different from the first degree of rotation. A planet gear that is laterally connected to a second planet drive gear is interposed between each of the carousel gear and the first planet drive gear. Each of the planet gear and the second planet drive gear selectively define the first degree of rotation, without affecting the second degree of rotation of the carousel gear.