Flexure Clamp Mounting for Optical Component Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing optical components in flow cytometers lead to damage and misalignment due to adhesive application and thickness variation, resulting in unwanted noise and signal compromise.
Innovation Solution
The use of clamps with frames and flexure tabs to immobilize optical components on mounting blocks, applying an immobilizing force to prevent movement and ensure proper alignment, using materials like metal and 3D printed polymers to secure optical components without obstructing light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical adhesives are used to immobilize optical components, then the components can be secured in place, but there is a risk of unintended adhesive application to optical surfaces and outgassing that may damage components or compromise signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive substance from the immobilization process entirely, replacing it with a mechanical clamp system that secures optical components through physical constraint rather than chemical bonding, thereby eliminating adhesive-related damage and outgassing
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary mechanical device between the mounting block and the optical component, providing a safe immobilization method that does not involve direct contact between adhesives and sensitive optical surfaces
2Ease of operation
If a plate is configured to pivot on pins to mount optical components, then the components can be positioned, but thickness variation in filters results in uneven pressure distribution causing thicker filters to receive pressure while thinner filters become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a flexible element that can dynamically adapt to different optical component thicknesses, allowing the mounting structure to accommodate thickness variations while maintaining consistent immobilization force and alignment across components of varying dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element changes its physical state or configuration in response to varying component thicknesses, adjusting its properties to maintain optimal contact and pressure distribution regardless of the specific thickness of the mounted optical 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
The clamps effectively maintain optical component position and alignment, reducing noise and signal interference, ensuring accurate light detection and analysis in flow cytometry systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexure tab for applying the immobilizing force to the optical component
Data Source
AI summary
Clamps for operably coupling one or more optical components to a mounting block are provided. Clamps of interest include a frame and one or more flexure tabs attached to the frame. Light detection modules and systems including one or more clamps are also provided. Aspects of the disclosure additionally include methods for analyzing a sample and assembling a light detection module.