Immersion Objective Fluid Sensing for Uninterrupted Inverted Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inverted microscopy systems face inefficiencies due to fluid depletion during sample movement, leading to increased analysis time and reduced throughput, as conventional systems require fluid replenishment only when the microscope is stopped, and are prone to fluid loss due to evaporation, humidity, and pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor ring with a common electrode and multiple sensor electrodes is used to detect fluid depletion and maintain fluid over the optical axis diameter, enabling continuous measurement of fluid resistance and rapid replenishment during sample movement, ensuring uninterrupted immersion microscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid replenishment is performed only when the microscope is stopped, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to increased analysis time and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor fluid level at the sample focal plane and automatically trigger replenishment when fluid depletion is detected. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time fluid level management during sample scanning, eliminating imaging interruptions and maintaining high productivity without requiring complex manual intervention systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting fluid depletion conditions and replenishing fluid without external intervention. The sensor ring and control system work autonomously to monitor and maintain fluid levels during continuous operation, allowing the microscope to service itself and maintain optimal imaging conditions throughout the scanning process
2Productivity
If fluid replenishment is performed during sample movement, then productivity is improved by avoiding imaging delays, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fluid level monitoring and control mechanisms with an electrical sensing system. The sensor ring with multiple electrodes detects fluid presence through electrical resistance measurements, and electronic control systems manage fluid replenishment timing. This substitution of mechanical systems with electrical/optical sensing and control reduces mechanical complexity while enabling precise real-time monitoring during sample movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by proactively detecting fluid depletion conditions before they interrupt imaging. Sensors continuously monitor fluid levels during sample scanning, and the control system initiates fluid replenishment in advance, ensuring fluid is restored to adequate levels before the next imaging operation begins. This preliminary detection and action prevents productivity losses while using relatively simple sensing mechanisms
3Loss of time
If conventional fluid replenishment methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases due to fluid depletion during sample scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control where sensors continuously monitor fluid level conditions during sample scanning and automatically trigger replenishment when depletion is detected. This feedback mechanism eliminates time losses by ensuring fluid is maintained at adequate levels throughout the scanning process, preventing interruptions and enabling continuous high-speed imaging without requiring complex manual monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring fluid immersion conditions are continuously maintained during sample scanning. The automated sensor-based detection and replenishment system operates throughout the imaging process, preventing any interruption in the useful imaging action. This continuous maintenance of fluid levels maximizes productivity while using relatively simple automated control rather than complex continuous manual intervention
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 allows for immediate resumption of imaging without delay by detecting fluid depletion and replenishing it in time, enhancing the efficiency and productivity of inverted microscopy systems by maintaining fluid immersion during sample scanning.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor ring with a common electrode and multiple sensor electrodes is used to detect fluid depletion and maintain fluid over the optical axis diameter, enabling continuous measurement of fluid resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid immersion control system may use a common electrode along with a plurality of sensor electrodes at a planar surface associated with a distal end of an immersion microscope objective to monitor electrical resistance of a fluid as an indication of presence of a fluid layer having a meniscus greater than a diameter of an optical axis used for immersion microscopy. The fluid immersion control system may activate replenishment of the fluid when the resistance indicates that the diameter is not immersed in the fluid.