Cryogenic Reservoir Level Control for Stable Microscope Stage Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryo-microscope stages face challenges in maintaining a constant cryogenic liquid flow, leading to temperature variations and potential contamination or devitrification of samples.
Innovation Solution
A system for controlling the filling level of a reservoir filled with a cryogenic liquid, comprising a probe with a temperature-dependent sensor and a controller that adjusts the filling level based on the sensor signal to maintain a constant temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cryogenic pump delivers variable amounts of cryogenic liquid, then the system can adapt to changing conditions, but the flow rate becomes unstable leading to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the cryogenic liquid temperature and feeding level. The controller receives these sensor signals and adjusts the pump operation to maintain constant temperature and filling level, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and temperature stability by using closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the temperature and filling level sensors to automatically regulate the cryogenic liquid delivery without external intervention. The controller self-adjusts the pump based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to maintain stable temperature and filling level autonomously while adapting to changing conditions.
2Speed
If temperature sensors detect temperature deviations very fast, then temperature control responsiveness is improved, but wave-like temperature behavior occurs causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies damping or filtering to the temperature control system to cushion against rapid temperature fluctuations. This prevents the fast temperature detection from causing wave-like behavior by smoothing out the control response, thereby maintaining both responsiveness and stability.
3Measurement precision
If the probe body extends above the maximum filling level to detect temperature, then the filling level can be monitored accurately, but the sensor may be exposed to unwanted temperature influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the probe into multiple sections with different functions. The probe body extends above the maximum filling level for accurate detection, while a thermally insulating coating or air gap isolates the sensor from unwanted temperature influences. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect filling level accurately without being affected by external temperature variations.
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 solution ensures a constant cryogenic liquid level, minimizing the risk of contamination, devitrification, and temperature fluctuations, thereby maintaining the integrity of the samples during cryo-microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature dependent sensor (128) configured to generate a sensor signal based on a temperature at the second position, the temperature depending on the filling level
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a filling level of a reservoir filled with a liquid includes the reservoir configured to be filled with the liquid at least up to a maximum filling level. The system also includes a probe including a probe body, at least a section of the probe body extending, in a height dimension of the reservoir, from a first position to a second position, the first position being lower than the second position, and the second position being above the maximum filling level, and further including a temperature dependent sensor configured to generate a sensor signal based on a temperature at the second position, the temperature depending on the filling level. The system also includes a controller for controlling the filling level of the reservoir depending on the sensor signal such that the filling level is kept constant.