Cryogenic Loading Station for Electron Microscopy Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current loading stations for electron microscopy are limited in their ability to transfer frozen samples between differently configured sample holders or devices without contamination or damage, often requiring manual handling and lacking temperature monitoring and automated coolant replenishment.
Innovation Solution
A loading station with multiple ports for different sample transfer devices and a receptacle for various sample holders, featuring a rotatable and tiltable spherical segment, a displaceable carriage, and a controllable coolant reservoir with temperature monitoring and automatic replenishment, ensuring contamination-free and efficient sample transfer at sub-−150°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used to transfer frozen samples between devices, then the sample transfer can be performed with simple equipment, but the risk of contamination and damage increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station features automated sample transfer mechanisms including a motorized slide rod that automatically moves the sample holder between the transfer container and chamber, eliminating manual handling. The system self-regulates coolant levels through automatic replenishment, reducing human intervention and associated contamination risks while maintaining continuous cooling throughout the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading station serves as an intermediary cooled transfer chamber between different sample processing devices. The sample holder acts as a mediator that can be coupled to different transfer containers and sample processing equipment, enabling automated transfer through the intermediate cooled environment without direct manual handling between devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single transfer container is attached to the loading station, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to transfer samples between differently configured sample holders is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a transfer chamber, a storage chamber for sample holders, and an interface for multiple different transfer containers. The chamber can accommodate at least two different transfer containers with differently configured sample holders, enabling a single device to handle multiple sample processing workflows without requiring separate dedicated chambers for each device type.
3Temperature
If manual coolant replenishment is used, then the system structure remains simple, but temperature monitoring and cooling continuity cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The loading station incorporates temperature monitoring that provides feedback on the coolant temperature and level. This feedback mechanism triggers automatic coolant replenishment when needed, ensuring the chamber maintains the required sub-zero temperature for frozen sample preservation. The system continuously monitors and adjusts coolant levels based on actual conditions rather than relying on manual intervention.
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 time-saving, contamination-free translocation of frozen samples between various processing and analysis devices, maintaining sample integrity through continuous cooling and automated control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber (104), open toward the top, that is fillable at least partly with a coolant... which is provided for cooling frozen samples at sub-−150°C
Implementation Method 2
Cryofixation is a sample preparation method often used in electron microscopy. In this, a water-containing sample is frozen very rapidly to a temperature below −150° C. (cryofixed), i.e. it is cooled very quickly while avoiding the formation of ice crystals.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading station (100, 200) for translocating a frozen sample for electron microscopy, encompassing a chamber (104, 204), open toward the top, that is fillable at least partly with a coolant, the chamber (104, 204) comprising in its side wall at least two ports (101a, 102a, 103a) each for different sample transfer devices (101, 102, 103), the ports (101a, 102a, 103a) permitting introduction of a frozen sample into the chamber (104, 204) via a selected sample transfer device and withdrawal of a frozen sample from the chamber via a respective different sample transfer device; and wherein a receptacle (108, 208) for at least two differently configured sample holders (109, 110) is arranged in the chamber (104, 204), the at least two sample holders (109, 110) being detachably fastenable to at least one of the sample transfer devices (101) for introduction of the frozen sample into the chamber (104, 204) and for withdrawal of the frozen sample from the chamber (104, 204).