Grid Sample Production Apparatus for Electron Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing grid samples for electron microscopes are inefficient and costly due to the difficulty in accurately measuring and ensuring the appropriate amount of protein liquid in the grid holes, which affects the formation of optimal vitreous ice for high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
A grid sample production apparatus that includes a frame with a movable grid unit, a filter unit, a laser unit, and a liquid amount analysis unit to selectively absorb protein liquid, irradiate the grid with a laser, and analyze the diffraction image's illuminance to determine the appropriate liquid amount, allowing for real-time measurement and automatic transfer to a quick freezing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the grid hole size is reduced to about 2 um and the interval between holes is reduced to about 3 um, then the resolution of the electron microscope image is improved, but it becomes difficult to observe the grid holes with an optical microscope and measure the protein solution amount
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces filter paper as an intermediary tool with larger pore sizes than the grid holes. The filter paper absorbs excess protein solution from the grid holes, enabling indirect measurement and control of liquid amounts in the otherwise unobservable sub-micrometer grid holes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct optical observation and mechanical measurement methods with a chemical absorption mechanism. Instead of trying to visually measure or mechanically probe the tiny grid holes, the system uses the absorption properties of filter paper to indirectly determine liquid amounts through weight changes
2Ease of manufacture
If the protein solution amount in grid holes is not accurately controlled, then the preparation process is simplified, but the ice thickness becomes inappropriate and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the filter paper absorption process is monitored by measuring weight changes. This feedback information is used to adjust the absorption process, ensuring that the correct amount of protein solution remains in the grid holes to form ice of appropriate thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The filter paper automatically absorbs excess protein solution through capillary action and surface tension, without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the liquid amount in grid holes through the inherent absorption properties of the filter paper material
3Manufacturing precision
If repeated preparation and observation cycles are performed to optimize image quality, then the image resolution is improved, but the production time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and control of protein solution amounts using the filter paper absorption method before electron microscope observation. This preliminary action ensures optimal conditions are established in advance, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error cycles and significantly improving production efficiency
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 enables quick and accurate determination of the protein liquid amount, improving production efficiency and enabling the formation of high-resolution grid samples at a lower cost by ensuring appropriate ice thickness for imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a filter unit which is provided to be movable inside the frame and selectively absorbs the protein liquid of the grid gripped at one end of the grid unit
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit which is provided to be movable inside the frame and selectively absorbs the protein liquid of the grid
Implementation Method 3
a screen unit which is disposed inside the frame and on which a diffraction image appears by the laser from the laser unit by being diffracted by the grid
Data Source
AI summary
A grid sample production apparatus includes: a frame in which an internal space is formed; a grid unit which is vertically provided on an upper side of the frame, and grips a grid at a lower end; a filter unit which is provided to be movable inside the frame and selectively absorbs the protein liquid of the grid gripped at one end of the grid unit; a laser unit which is provided on one side of the filter unit; a screen unit which is disposed inside the frame and on which a diffraction image appears by the laser from the laser unit by being diffracted by the grid; and a liquid amount analysis unit which analyzes an illuminance of the diffraction image appeared on the screen unit and determines whether the protein liquid of the grid is disposed in an appropriate amount.