Foldable Fluorescence Viewing Device with Segmented UV Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for visually recognizing and displaying fluorescent substances are either too complex and unwieldy or require complicated folding processes, making them impractical for space-saving storage and representative display.

Innovation Solution

A device with a slim, upright design that can be easily converted between a closed and open position, featuring a large lateral opening for both hands, a UV light source, and adjustable lighting for effective visualization of fluorescent substances, while maintaining a representative and space-efficient form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a complex housing design with multiple openings is used to provide good visualization conditions, then the visualization quality is improved, but the device becomes unwieldy and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisualization qualityVSAvoidhousing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into functional zones: a fixed upper section containing the light source and a movable lower section that can be folded or rotated. This segmentation allows the complex multi-opening structure to be broken down into manageable parts that can be compacted for storage while maintaining full functionality during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing incorporates movable elements such as foldable side walls or rotatable sections that transition between an open operational state (providing multiple openings for hands and observation) and a closed storage state. This dynamic design enables the device to adapt its form factor based on whether it is being used or stored.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If a foldable box design is used to achieve space-saving storage, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the unfolding and folding process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidunfolding process
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The foldable housing sections are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to a nested doll structure. The side walls and observation openings fold inward to occupy minimal space, allowing the entire device to be compacted to a fraction of its operational volume without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If the device is designed to be slim and upright for representative display, then the display aesthetics are improved, but the opening size for hands may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay form factorVSAvoidopening area
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing utilizes a three-dimensional folding mechanism that expands in the horizontal plane when opened, rather than requiring a larger overall footprint. The side walls fold outward to create a spacious interior opening while the device maintains its slim upright profile when closed, effectively using vertical space for display and horizontal expansion for functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 quick and easy operation, improved user experience, and effective visualization of fluorescent substances, suitable for various applications including medical and educational uses, with enhanced safety and documentation capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The specific property of the fluorescent substance is exploited to light up in a characteristic color when irradiated by light of a specific wavelength

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2163263B1Device for visual recognition of the distribution of luminescent substances
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 KBD GES FUR UNTERNEHMENSBERATUNG MARKETING & VERTRIEB MBH
  • EP2163263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2163263B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The device has a laterally openable housing (10), and a light source e.g. UV tubes and LEDs, attached to an upper region (12) of the housing. The light source emits light of predetermined wavelength range, and the housing is transposable between a closed position and an opened position. A surface of a housing bottom (14) in the closed position is smaller than two side surfaces (16, 18) of the housing. The housing in the opened position has a lateral opening in one of four sides, where the opening is partly cut by a sub-component.