Microscope Dual Cover System for Light and Heat Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing microscope apparatus faces challenges in accurately capturing weak light due to external light interference and heat transmission from internal components, which affects image quality and sample positioning.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a dual cover system with a second light source positioned on the second cover, which can be closed to prevent external light and heat from reaching the sample, allowing for precise imaging with reduced vibrations and increased imaging efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single cover is used to enclose the sample setting unit, then the structure is simple, but external light can enter through gaps and heat is transmitted to the sample

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light entry and heat transmissionVSAvoidcover structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested cover structure where a first cover and a second cover are arranged in layers, with the second cover positioned within the first cover. This nested configuration creates multiple barriers against external light and heat transmission to the sample, effectively resolving the issue of harmful factors penetrating through a single cover while maintaining structural organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosing structure is segmented into multiple functional covers: the first cover provides initial protection and housing, while the second cover specifically addresses light shielding and thermal insulation. This segmentation allows each cover to be optimized for its particular function, with the second cover being movable between open and closed positions to control access to the sample.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is kept closed to block external light, then light shielding is improved, but sample positioning and adjustment become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal light interferenceVSAvoidsample positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The second cover is designed as a movable component that can dynamically switch between an open position (allowing easy access for sample positioning and adjustment) and a closed position (providing effective light shielding). This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements, ensuring both ease of operation and light shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If light is irradiated from above the sample, then imaging is enabled, but external light enters through gaps and weak light cannot be accurately captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight irradiation for imagingVSAvoidweak light detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nested dual-cover structure creates multiple layers of light blocking barriers. The first cover provides the primary enclosure, while the second cover adds an additional layer specifically optimized for light shielding. This nested arrangement ensures that even when the first cover has gaps, the second cover prevents external light from reaching the sample, thereby enabling accurate detection of weak light signals during imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If the cover is open to allow sample adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but external light enters and affects image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample adjustmentVSAvoidexternal light interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosing system is segmented into two functional covers with distinct roles. The first cover remains open or accessible during sample adjustment to maintain ease of operation, while the second cover can be closed to provide light shielding when imaging is performed. This segmentation allows the system to separately optimize for both operational accessibility and light protection, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factor prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration effectively suppresses external light entry and heat transmission, enabling accurate capture of weak light and improving image clarity while minimizing sample displacement and imaging time.

Implementation Method 1

the second cover 22 is configured to cover the sample setting unit 11 so as to insulate the sample setting unit 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the first cover 20 at the light shielded first position covers the second cover 22 in the closed state, wherein the second cover 22 is configured to cover the sample setting unit 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a second light source 221 arranged in a space covered with the second cover 22 and configured to irradiate light on the sample in the sample setting unit 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 4

an imaging unit 10d configured to image the sample set in the sample setting unit 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3640702B1Microscope apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3640702B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3640702B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3640702B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A microscope apparatus is provided with: a sample setting unit in which a sample is set; an imaging unit configured to image the sample set in the sample setting unit; a housing unit on which the sample setting unit is arranged, and which is configured to internally accommodate the imaging unit; a first light source configured to irradiate light for fluorescence excitation on the sample in the sample setting unit; a first cover configured to be movable to a first position that covers the sample setting unit and a second position that opens the sample setting unit; and a second cover configured to be movable within the first cover so as to be in a closed state that covers the sample setting unit and an open state that opens the sample setting unit; and a second light source arranged in a space covered with the second cover and configured to irradiate light on the sample in the sample setting unit.