Integrated Holder Illumination for Uniform Microfluidic Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic device observation systems face challenges in efficiently and uniformly illuminating small, non-standardized biological samples, such as microfluidic devices, which hinders accurate observation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A holder apparatus with integrated illumination optical systems, including LEDs and optical waveguides, is designed to illuminate microfluidic devices from multiple directions, with adjustable intensity and timing control, ensuring uniform and efficient illumination of the observation region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional illumination systems are used for microfluidic devices, then the system structure remains simple, but the illumination uniformity and precision deteriorate due to the small size and non-standardized nature of the samples
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination optical system is nested within the holder body structure. The holder body includes a first body and a second body, with the illumination optical system integrated into the second body's side surface portion, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides precise illumination without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide part is introduced as an intermediary component to transmit and distribute illumination light uniformly across the microfluidic device. The light guide part connects the illumination light source to the sample, enabling precise and uniform illumination while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed illumination systems are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different sample positions and types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system incorporates adjustable components including an adjustable illumination optical system that can be positioned at different locations on the holder body, and a control unit that dynamically adjusts illumination parameters such as intensity, position, and timing based on sample requirements, enabling adaptability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The holder apparatus is designed to accommodate multiple types of culture vessels (microfluidic devices, well plates) through a universal holder body structure with standardized mounting mechanisms, allowing the same apparatus to serve different sample types and observation requirements
3Measurement precision
If illumination is provided from single direction, then the optical system remains simple, but the observation accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient illumination coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system transitions from single-direction illumination to multi-directional illumination by positioning illumination optical systems at multiple locations (side surface portions and upper/lower portions) of the holder body, creating illumination from different spatial dimensions to ensure complete and uniform coverage of the observation region
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 holder apparatus enables precise and uniform illumination of microfluidic devices, facilitating accurate observation and analysis of biological samples by optimizing illumination based on the sample's position and type.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination optical system may include an LED
Implementation Method 2
The illumination optical system may include a light guide part which guides light from outside
Implementation Method 3
The illumination optical system may include at least one of a convex lens, a concave lens, or a light diffusion plate
Implementation Method 4
The illumination optical system may include at least one of a convex lens, a concave lens, or a light diffusion plate
Implementation Method 5
The illumination optical system may include at least one of a convex lens, a concave lens, or a light diffusion plate
Implementation Method 6
The illumination optical system may include a mask which blocks a part of light
Data Source
AI summary
A holder apparatus, which is placed on a stage of an observation apparatus including the stage, an observation optical system which is arranged below the stage and on which light from a biological sample is incident, and a control unit, includes: a holder body which holds a culture vessel in which the biological sample is arranged; and an illumination optical system which is provided in the holder body and illuminates the biological sample, and the illumination optical system is arranged in at least one of a side surface portion or an upper portion of the holder body when a direction in which the biological sample is observed is set as a vertical direction.