Microscope Sample Holder Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holding systems for microscopes, particularly in single plane illumination microscopy (SPIM), face challenges in allowing easy rotary and translational movements of samples without obstructing access through the top opening and risking leakage of immersion liquids, especially due to complex mechanical designs and sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A sample holding system utilizing a magnetic coupling to transmit rotary movements through the chamber wall, allowing access via the top opening, and optionally using a rotary belt or gear drive to facilitate movement without the need for additional sealing, enabling easy sample access and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical drive is directly coupled to the sample holder through the chamber wall opening, then rotary movement of the sample is achieved, but access to the top opening is obstructed and leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling through the chamber wall with magnetic coupling. The drive magnet is positioned outside the sample chamber, and the holder magnet is attached to the sample holder inside the chamber. The magnetic field transmits rotational force through the chamber wall without requiring physical penetration, thereby maintaining sample accessibility through the top opening while preventing immersion liquid leakage.
2Measurement precision
If the optical axis is oriented horizontally perpendicular to gravity, then optimal imaging conditions are achieved, but the sample holder design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between optimal optical imaging and simple holder design by introducing magnetic coupling as a new dimensional solution. Instead of complicating the holder mechanics to accommodate horizontal optical axis requirements, the magnetic drive system allows the holder to be简单地 designed for sample mounting while the magnetic field provides the necessary rotational actuation, separating the functions of sample holding and sample rotation.
3Reliability
If additional sealing mechanisms are added to prevent leakage, then reliability improves, but device complexity and mechanical issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the drive mechanism by using magnetic coupling that operates through the chamber wall without penetration. Since the magnetic field can transmit force through non-magnetic materials (including the chamber wall and immersion liquid), no sealing mechanism is required at the drive interface, eliminating the complexity and potential failure points associated with seals while maintaining complete leakage prevention.
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 easy and leak-proof sample movement in SPIM systems, maintaining sample accessibility and stability, reducing the risk of leakage and mechanical complexity, while allowing precise positioning and image acquisition with reduced vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
the means for rotating the sample comprise a rotary drive with a magnetic coupling which transmits the rotary movement through a wall of the sample chamber to the holder
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holding system for a microscope, including a sample chamber which has an upper opening and is filled with an immersion liquid, and in which a sample embedded in a transparent embedding compound is placed in a holder. Translatory movement of the sample in relation to a detection objective of the microscope, and rotating the sample about an essentially vertical rotational axis in a plane forming an angle different from zero with the optical axis of the detection objective is included. Rotating the sample includes a rotational drive provided with a magnetic coupling or a belt drive and/or toothed wheel rotational drive arranged above the sample chamber.