Cryogenic Object Receiving Container for Clean Transfer and Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in safely transporting and storing frozen objects between different examination and processing apparatuses, leading to contamination and orientation issues, as well as incompatibility of object holders across different devices.

Innovation Solution

An object receiving container with movable container units and a fastening device allows for safe transportation and storage of frozen objects, ensuring compatibility across various examination and processing apparatuses, while maintaining orientation and preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If frozen objects are transported between different examination and processing apparatuses using existing object holders, then the objects can be examined and processed, but contamination and orientation issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject integrityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The object receiving container is divided into a first container unit and a second container unit that can be moved relative to each other. The second container unit can be positioned to cover or expose the cavity, allowing controlled access while maintaining protection during transport and storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The object receiving container serves as an intermediary device that receives the object from one apparatus and transports it to another. The container with its movable cover system protects the object during transfer, preventing contamination while enabling movement between different examination and processing equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If frozen objects are transported between different apparatuses, then examination and processing can be performed, but orientation changes occur requiring repeated handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus compatibilityVSAvoidhandling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The object receiving container is designed with universal compatibility to interface with multiple different examination and processing apparatuses. The standardized container design allows the same object to be transferred between various equipment without requiring re-orientation or repeated handling, maintaining optimal orientation throughout the workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If existing object holders are used across different apparatuses, then objects can be examined, but incompatibility issues arise between devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination accuracyVSAvoidapparatus compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The object receiving container is designed as a universal interface that can be accommodated by multiple different examination and processing apparatuses. This standardized container design ensures compatibility across various devices while maintaining the object's proper orientation and examination accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If frozen objects are stored without proper containment, then access is easy, but contamination and orientation loss occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcontamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The second container unit is designed to be movable relative to the first container unit, allowing it to be positioned in different states (covering or exposing the cavity). This dynamic design enables the container to provide protection during storage and transport while allowing easy access when needed, balancing accessibility with contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20260074141A1Examining, analyzing and/or processing an object using an object receiving container

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

AI summary

An object receiving container may receive an object which is examinable, analyzable and/or processable at cryo-temperatures. An object holding system may comprise an object receiving container. A beam apparatus or an apparatus for processing an object may comprise an object receiving container or an object holding system. An object may be examined, analyzed and/or processed using an object receiving container or an object holding system. The object receiving container may comprise a first container unit, a cavity for receiving the object, a second container unit, which is able to be brought into a first position and/or into a second position relative to the first container unit, and at least one fastening device which is arranged at the first container unit or at the second container unit for arranging the object receiving container at a holding device.