Microchip Aperture Design for Optical Alignment Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microchip analysis systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment of the microchip and optical axis due to dimensional errors, leading to reduced analytical precision and increased production costs, especially when trying to refine the minute flow channels.
Innovation Solution
A microchip design with a translucent member featuring a flow channel and an aperture system, where the aperture has a light go-through surface and a reflective surface to guide and reflect light flux, allowing only necessary light to reach the detection unit, while shading members prevent stray light, enabling precise analysis without strict positioning requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aperture size of the concave portion is increased to accommodate dimensional errors of the microchip, then the microchip can be positioned with sufficient margin, but the alignment precision between the flow channel and optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning protrusion on the microchip that fits into a corresponding positioning recess in the tray. This localized positioning structure ensures precise alignment between the flow channel and optical axis while allowing the aperture to be larger for accommodating dimensional errors. The positioning structure is added only where needed without complicating the overall design.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dimensional precision of the microchip and tray is made strict to improve alignment precision, then the alignment between flow channel and optical axis is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the positioning function from the aperture function. The positioning protrusion and recess provide precise alignment, while the aperture provides stray light blocking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for strict dimensional control across the entire assembly and reducing production costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If a positioning mechanism is added to improve alignment precision, then the alignment between flow channel and optical axis is improved, but the apparatus becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The microchip includes an integrated positioning protrusion that automatically aligns with the positioning recess in the tray during insertion. This self-positioning mechanism eliminates the need for external positioning devices, adjustment mechanisms, or complex alignment procedures, thereby reducing apparatus complexity and cost while ensuring precise alignment.
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 design enhances analytical precision by ensuring only necessary light is detected, maintaining precision even with varying microchip positions, reducing production complexity and costs by eliminating the need for precise alignment mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflective surface configured to reflect the rest of the light flux coming from the flow channel and passing through the translucent member toward a side face of the translucent member
Implementation Method 2
The tapered surface is for causing emitted light to scatter or reflect
Implementation Method 3
The tapered surface is for causing emitted light to scatter or reflect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a microchip 1 having a translucent member 11, a flow channel 10 or a cell formed at a side of the translucent member 11 where light enters, and an aperture 16 formed at a position corresponding to the flow channel 10 or the cell at a side of a translucent member 10 where light goes out. The aperture 16 has a light go-through surface 17 which causes light flux being emitted from the flow channel 10 or the cell to go through and a light reflective surface 18 that totally reflects the incident light flux. A width size W1 of the light go-through surface 17 is smaller than a width size W2 of the flow channel 10 or the cell.