Light-Sheet Microscope Plate Assembly for Stable Multi-Sample Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample holder plates for light-sheet microscopes are limited in accommodating multiple samples without causing mechanical separation or movement during examination, and lack stabilization mechanisms, necessitating separate examination and recalibration for each sample.

Innovation Solution

A plate assembly comprising a transparent foil sheet with cuvettes, a sample fixing plate with inserts and magnets, and a frame with receiving elements and magnets, ensuring sample stability and continuous examination without repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple samples are placed in a single sample holder plate for light-sheet microscope examination, then the number of samples that can be examined simultaneously increases, but the samples may move or deform during examination, compromising sample integrity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of samples examined simultaneouslyVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sample holder plate is divided into multiple separate sample holder elements, each capable of independently holding a single sample. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be examined simultaneously while maintaining individual sample stability and integrity within each element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sample holder elements are nested within the sample holder plate structure, with each element fitting into a designated position. This nesting arrangement allows multiple samples to be accommodated in an organized manner while preventing movement and maintaining sample integrity during examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If samples are placed in cuvettes without stabilization mechanisms, then the examination process is simpler, but the samples may move during examination requiring repositioning and recalibration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of examination processVSAvoidtime for repositioning and recalibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Samples are pre-positioned and stabilized within the cuvettes using stabilization elements before examination begins. This preliminary stabilization action ensures that samples remain in the correct position throughout the examination process, eliminating the need for repositioning and recalibration and saving time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If the sample receiving chamber volume is not limited, then multiple samples can be placed in one cuvette, but it becomes impossible to ensure each sample is properly positioned and stabilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of samples per cuvetteVSAvoidsample positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample receiving chamber is segmented into multiple separate cuvettes, with each cuvette designed to hold only one sample. This segmentation ensures that each sample has its own dedicated space with controlled volume, allowing for precise positioning and stabilization while still enabling multiple samples to be examined simultaneously across different cuvettes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simultaneous, rapid, and automatic examination of multiple samples with high penetration depth and low phototoxicity, maintaining sample integrity and reducing errors by preventing movement and recalibration.

Implementation Method 1

the sample holder frame comprises at least two opposite magnets located in the edge, wherein the position of each magnet substantially matches the position of the magnets arranged in the sample fixing plate to connect the magnets to each other and thereby hold the sample fixing plate stable in an inserted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20250369870A1Plate assembly for rapid, automatic, high penetration depth examination of samples with a light-sheet microscope, as well as a method for using such plate assembly

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SINGLE-CELL TECH KFT

AI summary

A plate assembly includes a first sample holder for receiving a plurality of samples, wherein the first sample holder is a transparent foil sheet and includes a plurality of cuvettes configured to receive a sample. A sample fixing plate for positioning the samples is placed in the cuvettes, wherein the sample fixing plate includes a plurality of inserts to be inserted into the cuvettes such that per cuvette a chamber is formed between the first sample holder and the inserted sample fixing plate. The chamber ensures the structural integrity of a single sample. At least one slot is formed next to each insert to allow the transmission of light emitted by the light-sheet microscope. The sample fixing plate also includes at least two opposite magnets and a sample holder frame for receiving the sample holder and the sample fixing plate fitted to each other. The sample holder frame has a planar flat sheet, which includes at least one receiving element configured to receive the first sample holder and the sample fixing plate inserted therein, wherein the bottom of the receiving element is made of transparent material. The sample holder frame includes a planar flat edge extending around the circumference of the sheet where the dimensions of said edge enable a scanning unit of a lightsheet microscope to operate continuously.