Magnetic Sample Carrier Transfer for Shielded Device-to-Device Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transfer of samples between devices, particularly in charged particle microscopy, often results in sample damage due to environmental exposure and handling challenges, which is critical for maintaining sample quality in techniques like electron microscopy and Cryo-EM.

Innovation Solution

A transport apparatus comprising a transport tube with a movable sample carrier linked to a magnetic actuator element, using pneumatic actuation to ensure reliable and safe transfer, shielding the sample from the ambient environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual transfer of sample between devices is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates due to environmental exposure and handling damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manual transferVSAvoidsample damage from environmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transport tube serves as an intermediary component that physically connects the preparation device and analysis device, allowing the sample carrier to move between devices while remaining protected from the ambient environment throughout the transfer process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport tube creates a protected environment that isolates the sample from harmful ambient conditions during transfer, maintaining sample integrity without requiring manual handling in exposed conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Ease of operation

If sample is exposed to ambient environment during transfer, then ease of operation is improved, but sample quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sample handlingVSAvoidsample preparation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transport tube acts as a mediator that allows the sample to be transferred between devices while maintaining a controlled environment, preventing degradation of sample preparation quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport tube provides an inert or controlled atmosphere environment during transfer, protecting the sample from ambient conditions that would otherwise degrade its quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If magnetic actuation system is implemented, then reliability of sample transfer is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of sample transferVSAvoidcomplexity of actuation system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic actuation system replaces complex mechanical coupling mechanisms with a magnetic field-based actuation system, where the actuator element with first magnet part and carrier with second magnet part interact through magnetic attraction/repulsion to move the sample carrier reliably

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary that transmits force from the actuator element to the carrier without direct mechanical contact, improving reliability by eliminating mechanical wear and misalignment issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution provides a reliable and safe method for transferring samples between devices, preventing damage and maintaining sample integrity, especially for sensitive samples like cryo-EM specimens, by using a pneumatic actuator tube and magnetic coupling to control the movement of the sample carrier within a vacuum or reduced pressure environment.

Implementation Method 1

said first magnet part and said second magnet part are provided in such a way that movement of the sample carrier through said transport tube is linked to movement of the magnetic actuator element through the actuator tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

During movement, the sample carrier is shielded by the transport tube against the ambient environment. Damage of the sample is therefore prevented.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical shielding: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11753254B2Transport apparatus and method for transferring a sample between two devices, and system for sample manipulation

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 FEI CO

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport apparatus for transferring a sample between two devices. The transport apparatus comprises a transport tube provided with a carrier for holding a sample. The carrier is movable within said transport tube along a length thereof. The transport apparatus further comprises an actuator tube extending substantially next to said transport tube and which is provided with an actuator element that is movable within said actuator tube. Said actuator element comprises a first magnet part, and said sample carrier is provided with a second magnet part, wherein said first magnet part and said second magnet part are configured such that movement of the sample carrier through said transport tube is linked to movement of the magnetic actuator element through the actuator tube. In this way, movement of the magnetic actuator causes movement of the sample carrier, allowing safe, reliable and protected transport of the sample.