Linkage Modules for Reconfigurable Laboratory Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laboratory instruments, particularly optical microscopes, face challenges in 3D imaging due to complex opto-electro-mechanical assemblies that are expensive, bulky, and inflexible, making them impractical for unusual sample configurations or additional components, and hinder scalability and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A modular linkage module with a profile, rotary electric motor, and circuit board, featuring trenches and cavities for slider joints, allowing motorized or manual actuation, and a concealed circuit board for electronic components, enabling compact, multipurpose, and adaptable instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex opto-electro-mechanical assemblies are used for 3D imaging, then imaging capability is improved, but cost and device size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a tilt module for 3D imaging capability and a standard microscope module for 2D imaging. This segmentation allows the complex 3D imaging functionality to be added only when needed, rather than requiring the entire system to be complex. The tilt module can be independently attached or removed, reducing the baseline device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt module is designed to be universally compatible with standard microscope configurations. By using universal mounting interfaces and standardized components, the same tilt module can be attached to different microscope models, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems and lowering overall device complexity while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
2Extent of automation
If motorized stages and illumination sources are integrated, then automation is improved, but flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture. The tilt module with motorized control can be dynamically attached or detached based on whether 3D imaging is required. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt its automation level to match the specific imaging needs, maintaining flexibility while providing motorized control when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt module is pre-equipped with motorized control and illumination capabilities that can be activated only when the module is attached. This preliminary preparation of automated components allows them to remain in a low-power, space-saving state during 2D imaging while being ready for immediate use when 3D imaging is required, thus maintaining both automation and flexibility.
3Reliability
If specialized components are fixed in position, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different sample configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates fixed stable components (main microscope body, objective lens) from movable adaptive components (tilt module with sample holder). This segmentation allows the stable components to remain in fixed positions for reliability while the segmented tilt module can be repositioned or reconfigured to accommodate different sample configurations, including unusual geometries and additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample holder and tilt module are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to move and reconfigure based on sample requirements. This dynamic design maintains stability of the core imaging system while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to different sample configurations, such as cross-sections, macroscopic objects, or samples with additional components like cables or fluidic tubings.
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 design allows for affordable, scalable, and reconfigurable laboratory instruments that can handle various sample configurations and additional components, providing flexible 3D imaging capabilities without the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary electric motor at a lateral end of the profile
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention is notably directed to a linkage module (20, 21, 30) for a laboratory instrument (1), where the linkage module basically includes a profile, a rotary electric motor, and a circuit board. The profile has two lateral ends and four longitudinal sides, notably including a first side, a second side, and a third side. The four longitudinal sides extend, each, between the two lateral ends. The profile is structured to have a first trench on the first side, a second trench on the second side, and one or more cavities on the third side. The first trench and the second trench form two linear guiding elements, which are designed to enable two slider joints, respectively. The rotary electric motor is fixed at one of the two lateral ends of the profile. The circuit board is fixed to the profile, on the third side thereof. The circuit board notably includes a circuit, which is designed to control the motor, in operation. A concealed side of the circuit board faces the one or more cavities provided on the third side of the profile. The circuit includes electronic components that are arranged on a concealed side of the circuit board. The concealed side faces the one or more cavities on the third side of the profile. The electronic components are housed inside the one or more cavities. The invention is further directed to a laboratory instrument (1) that includes two or more linkage modules (20, 21, 30) as described above.