Humidity Control Adaptor for Microscope Sample Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Macromolecular crystals are sensitive to ambient humidity and temperature, leading to dehydration and damage during manipulation under stereomicroscopes, which affects X-ray data reproducibility and crystal integrity, as current methods lack effective control over environmental conditions during sample handling and transfer.
Innovation Solution
A compact and portable humidity control system with a specialized adaptor that provides a controllable humid airflow for sample manipulation, using a pressure-regulated air division system and a vial holder to maintain humidity levels, allowing for precise control and preservation of samples during handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If macromolecular crystals are manipulated under ambient conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates due to dehydration and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized adaptor as an intermediary device between the microscope and the sample environment. This adaptor includes a humidified air delivery system that creates a controlled microenvironment around the crystal during manipulation, preventing dehydration while allowing ease of handling under the microscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled humid atmosphere around the macromolecular crystal during manipulation. By delivering humidified air through the adaptor, the system maintains an inert-like environment (controlled humidity) that prevents dehydration and damage to the crystal while allowing standard manipulation procedures to continue.
2Reliability
If environmental chambers are used to control humidity, then sample integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the humidity control function into a separate, modular adaptor device that can be attached to the microscope. This adaptor includes its own humidified air delivery system, separating the environmental control function from the main microscope system, thereby achieving humidity control without requiring a complex integrated chamber system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor serves as an intermediary device that provides localized humidity control without requiring a full environmental chamber. It delivers controlled humid air directly to the sample area, achieving effective humidity control with simpler device architecture.
3Reliability
If gloveboxes are used for sample manipulation, then sample integrity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to large size and awkwardness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by creating a localized humid environment only around the sample area using the adaptor, rather than enclosing the entire manipulation space in a large glovebox. This localized approach maintains sample integrity while preserving full dexterity and ease of operation in the rest of the workspace.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor acts as an intermediary device that provides environmental control functionality without requiring a large glovebox. It delivers controlled humid air locally to the sample, achieving environmental protection with minimal impact on operator dexterity and workspace accessibility.
4Reliability
If humid airflow is delivered directly to the sample, then sample integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed as a multi-functional device that combines the humidified air delivery system with a vial holder for sample containment. This integration allows the same device to provide both humidity control and sample holding functionality, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective humidity maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the humid air delivery function with the sample containment function in a single adaptor assembly. The adaptor includes both the humidified air delivery port and the vial holder, combining multiple functions into one device to reduce complexity while maintaining effective humidity control during sample manipulation and transfer.
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 limits dehydration and maintains sample integrity by maintaining high humidity levels during manipulation and transfer, improving reproducibility of X-ray data and reducing damage to macromolecular crystals, enabling more reliable structure determination.
Implementation Method 1
The second cavity includes a magnet. The magnet imposes a force on the bottom portion of the vial in a direction from the first side to the second side to removably secure the vial against the base.
Implementation Method 2
A path of the humid airflow is from the input port, through the fluid passageway, past the upper portion of the vial, and above the platform.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor to help control local humidity of a sample includes a delivery port having a first side and a second side, opposite the first side. The first side includes an opening that is to be connected to a fluid source. The second side includes a sidewall. A platform extends from the sidewall. A vial holder is connected to the sidewall. A portion of the sidewall is absent above the platform to allow manipulation of the sample.