Sample Holder Fixing Mechanism for Cryogenic Carrier Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for cryo-microscopy require manual and often cumbersome processes for loading and unloading sample carriers, which can lead to contamination and devitrification due to the need for precise orientation and handling at cryogenic temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a decoupled sample carrier fixing element featuring two sections, where the first section fixes or releases the sample carrier, and the second section operates independently to switch the first section into an open or fixed position, allowing for simplified and user-friendly insertion and orientation of sample carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual insertion and orientation of sample carriers is required, then precise orientation can be achieved, but the handling process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sample carrier fixing element automatically orients and secures the sample carrier without requiring manual intervention. The resilient element with its specific geometry self-adjusts to guide the sample carrier into the correct orientation and position, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment while maintaining orientation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sample carrier and the fixing structure. It provides a guided interface that automatically orients the sample carrier during insertion, reducing the skill and precision required for manual handling while ensuring correct orientation.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of sample carriers is required, then orientation can be adjusted, but contamination and devitrification risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic fixing mechanism eliminates manual handling steps, allowing sample carriers to be secured without human intervention. This self-service approach minimizes exposure to contamination sources and reduces the risk of devitrification that occurs during prolonged manual manipulation at cryogenic temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The streamlined fixing mechanism allows sample carriers to be quickly inserted and secured in a single rapid motion, minimizing the time sample carriers spend in vulnerable states. This rapid processing reduces exposure to harmful environmental factors and prevents devitrification.
3Device complexity
If a single-section fixing element is used, then the structure is simpler, but the operation and fixing functions are coupled requiring manual insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is segmented into a resilient element and a rigid element with distinct functions. The resilient element provides automatic opening/closing action for easy insertion, while the rigid element provides stable fixing. This segmentation allows automatic operation without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element incorporates dynamic characteristics through the resilient element that can flex and return automatically. This dynamic behavior enables the fixing element to open upon insertion and automatically close to secure the sample carrier, providing ease of operation without complex control mechanisms.
4Extent of automation
If resilient elements with complex geometry are used, then automatic fixing is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic fixing mechanism is divided into a resilient element and a rigid element, each with simpler individual geometries. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining automatic fixing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient and rigid elements are combined to create the complete fixing mechanism. This merging allows the complex automatic fixing function to be achieved through the interaction of two relatively simple components rather than requiring a single complex element, improving manufacturability.
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
Facilitates easy and contamination-free handling of sample carriers by decoupling the operation of the fixing element, enabling quick and precise orientation without manual insertion, thus maintaining sample quality and reducing devitrification risks.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element having a first section and a second section, said sections preferably being at opposite ends of the resilient element, the resilient element being configured (in a lever-like fashion) such that the first section moves when the second section is moved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present inventive concept relates to a sample holder (100) for holding a sample carrier (120) carrying a sample, said sample holder (100) comprising a sample carrier fixing element (130), the sample carrier fixing element (130) comprising a first section (132) configured, when in a first position, to fix the sample carrier (120) to the sample holder (100), and, when in a second position, to release the sample carrier (120) or to provide access to an area (142) where the sample carrier (120) is to be located, the sample carrier fixing element (130) further comprising a second section (134) different from the first section (132), the second section (134) being operable such that upon operation of the second section (134) the first section (132) switches from the first into the second position or from the second into the first position.