Microscope Sample Chamber Partition Plate Meniscus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample chambers for microscopy often form a meniscus, making it difficult to perform microscopy without a meniscus and increasing the risk of contamination of the outer surface and cross-contamination with neighboring samples.
Innovation Solution
A sample chamber design featuring a reservoir divided into an upper and lower partial reservoir by a partition plate, where the liquid is filled to wet the lower surface of the separating plate, preventing meniscus formation and minimizing contamination by collecting excess liquid in the upper reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sample chamber is filled with liquid for microscopy examination, then the sample can be examined using high-resolution methods, but a meniscus forms on the liquid surface which interferes with microscopy without a meniscus
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into two separate chambers (first and second chambers) by a partition wall. The liquid is contained in the first chamber with its free surface positioned below the partition wall, eliminating meniscus formation in the observation area. This segmentation allows the liquid to be confined in a way that prevents surface curvature while maintaining adequate volume for sample examination.
2Measurement precision
If the liquid filling level is increased to ensure complete wetting of the lower surface of the separating plate, then microscopy without a meniscus is achieved, but excess liquid may escape from the inlet causing contamination of the outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall creates separate containment zones. The first chamber holds the liquid at a level that completely wets the lower surface of the partition wall for optimal microscopy, while the second chamber acts as a containment barrier. This segmentation ensures that even if excess liquid escapes from the inlet, it is contained within the second chamber and cannot contaminate the outer surface of the sample chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall serves as an intermediary structure between the liquid-containing first chamber and the external environment. It allows the liquid to be filled to the optimal level for microscopy while preventing direct contact between excess liquid and the outer surface, thus eliminating contamination risk.
3Measurement precision
If a cover plate is used to prevent meniscus formation, then microscopy without a meniscus is possible, but the outer surface of the sample chamber becomes more prone to contamination if liquid escapes
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a cover plate that spans the entire opening, the invention uses a partition wall that divides the reservoir into two chambers. This segmentation allows the liquid to be contained in the first chamber without requiring a cover plate, thereby maintaining an open outer surface that is not prone to contamination from escaping liquid.
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 microscopy without a meniscus and reduces the risk of contamination by containing excess liquid within the sample chamber, allowing for easy removal and preventing outer surface contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a partition plate (4) arranged in the reservoir and parallel to the bottom plate (2), the partition plate (4) being arranged in the reservoir at a height which is less than the minimum height of the side wall (3), so that they divide the reservoir into an upper (6) and a lower (5) partial reservoir
Implementation Method 2
a liquid to be examined is filled into the lower partial reservoir so that the filling level completely wets the lower surface of the separating plate
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Sample chamber for microscope investigation, comprises a reservoir for receiving a sample, which is limited by a base plate (2) and a side wall (3), and a separating plate (4), which is parallel to the base plate, is arranged in the reservoir at a height that is less than the minimum height of the side wall such that the separating plate divides the reservoir into an upper partial reservoir (5) and a lower partial reservoir (6). The upper- and the lower partial reservoirs are limited laterally by the side wall, and are connected by the inlet and/or outlet.