Portable Imaging Device Platform Limits Sample Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contact microscopy, there is a challenge in preventing samples from contacting and contaminating electronic and mechanical components, particularly when using human blood, which requires avoiding contact with other components to maintain cleanliness and prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A base assembly with a platform and movable lid configuration that limits contact between the sample and other components, using a disposable lid with a protruding element and a platform with attachment features to control the sample's position and prevent contamination, while allowing for imaging and mixing of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is mounted on a circuit board with other electronic and mechanical components, then the device can be made portable and functional, but the sample may contact and contaminate these other components
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional zones: a sample receiving area with the imaging sensor, and a protected area with electronic components. The platform creates a physical boundary that segments the sample space from the electronic components, allowing the sample to be confined to only the necessary sensor area while preventing contact with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary structure between the sample and the base assembly. It provides a dedicated sample receiving surface that is spatially separated from the electronic components mounted on the circuit board, serving as a barrier that prevents direct contact between the sample and potentially contaminatable components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a platform with movable lid is used to confine the sample, then contamination of electronic components is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates a movable lid that can transition between open and closed positions. This dynamic element allows the device to adapt its configuration: open for sample loading and closed for imaging and protection. The movement mechanism enables the lid to be positioned at different heights to accommodate sample placement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A base assembly includes an imaging sensor having a sensor surface to receive a sample, and a platform connected to the base assembly. The base assembly includes (a) an aperture configured to receive a lid surface of a lid in a position to define an imaging space between the sensor surface and the lid surface and (b) a movement portion movable toward and away from the base assembly. The platform and the base assembly are configured to limit contact between the sample and the base assembly other than at the sensor surface.