Deformable Chamber Lid for Uniform Sample Layer in Contact Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contact microscopy techniques face challenges in establishing and maintaining a uniformly distributed thin sample layer over a sensor surface, particularly in resource-limited settings, due to complexities in fluid-surface interactions and precision issues, which complicates accurate particle counting in applications like blood analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a solid member with a light-sensitive imaging sensor, a deformable member forming a fluid chamber, and a pressurizable chamber that adjusts the fluid chamber's height by altering the volume of liquid or gas, allowing for precise control of the sample layer thickness, enabling accurate imaging and cell counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact microscopy techniques are used to establish a thin sample layer over a sensor surface, then particle counting can be performed, but fluid-surface interactions and precision issues cause non-uniform distribution and inconsistent sample layers
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber lid is made deformable and its position is dynamically adjusted via a positioning mechanism to achieve the desired sample layer thickness. The deformable member allows real-time modification of the sample chamber volume and sample layer thickness, enabling consistent uniform distribution despite variations in sample volume or sensor surface characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or passive mechanical sample layer formation with an automated positioning mechanism that uses controlled deformation of the chamber lid. This substitution of mechanical control methods enables precise, repeatable sample layer thickness adjustment without relying on operator skill or complex manual procedures.
2Measurement precision
If complex equipment or skilled operators are used to maintain uniform sample layers, then accurate particle counting is achieved, but the system becomes unsuitable for resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism automatically adjusts the deformable chamber lid to achieve the target sample layer thickness without requiring manual intervention or skilled operation. The system self-regulates the sample chamber volume and lid position, eliminating the need for operator expertise in sample preparation while maintaining consistent, uniform sample layers suitable for accurate particle counting in resource-limited environments.
3Manufacturing precision
If the fluid chamber height is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the sample layer thickness cannot be precisely controlled for accurate imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid chamber structure incorporates a deformable lid connected to a positioning mechanism that dynamically adjusts the chamber height. This dynamic configuration allows precise control of the sample layer thickness by modifying the distance between the deformable lid and the sensor surface, achieving manufacturing precision in sample preparation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through the use of a single adjustable component.
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 enhances the repeatability and accuracy of blood counts by ensuring a consistent, thin sample layer, making it suitable for resource-limited environments without the need for complex equipment or skilled operators.
Implementation Method 1
a pressurizable chamber distinct from the fluid chamber, enclosing a liquid or gas impinging on an exterior of the fluid chamber, and configured to deform the deformable member to cause adjustment to a height of the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
light passing through a sample is delivered to the eye of a user, a film, or a sensor through lenses, which then forms an image that is representative of the sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In some instances, an apparatus can include a light sensitive imaging sensor having a surface to receive a fluid sample, a body to be moved relative to the light sensitive imaging sensor and having a surface to touch a portion of the fluid sample, and a carrier to move the body toward the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor to cause the surface of the body to touch the portion of the fluid sample, so that as the surface of the body touches the portion of the fluid, the surface of the body (i) is parallel to the surface of the light sensitive imaging sensor, and (ii) settles on top of the fluid sample independently of motion of the carrier.