Light-Tight Microscope Enclosure for Automated Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional darkroom setups for microscopes are inadequate as they require users to adapt to dark environments, offer inadequate protection against dust and hazardous emissions, and are not suitable for automated microscopy systems due to vibration issues and exacting coupling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A light-tight enclosure system with electronically controllable components and image capture devices, allowing for a robotic microscope to be easily moved and operated in a dark environment while protecting against ambient light and emissions, featuring rotatable compartments, a viewing monitor, and electrical receptacles for power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a dark room is used to reduce ambient light interference, then image viewing quality is improved, but user adaptation time increases and protection against dust and hazardous emissions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workspace into two distinct zones: a light-tight enclosure for microscopy work and an exterior environment for user operation. This segmentation allows the microscope to operate in complete darkness while users remain in a well-lit, protected environment, eliminating both ambient light interference and exposure to hazardous factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-tight enclosure acts as an intermediary barrier between the microscope and the user. It transmits necessary light for microscopy while blocking hazardous emissions and dust, and allows electronic signals and power to pass through receptacles, protecting users from harmful factors while maintaining imaging quality.
2Illumination intensity
If a dark room is used to protect against ambient light, then microscopy viewing is improved, but ventilation is inadequate and contaminants build up
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ventilation function from the light-blocking function by providing separate ventilation systems for the enclosure and the user environment. The enclosure has its own ventilation to prevent contaminant buildup, while users remain in a well-ventilated exterior space, resolving both ambient light interference and ventilation issues simultaneously.
3Illumination intensity
If a light-tight enclosure is used to block ambient light, then image quality is improved, but the system becomes immobile and difficult to reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is designed with dynamic mobility features including casters for easy movement and a foldable door for access. This allows the light-tight enclosure to be repositioned as needed while maintaining its light-blocking properties, resolving the contradiction between light tightness and mobility.
4Productivity
If an automated robotic microscope system is used to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but the system requires exacting control and is not suitable for mobile operation
Solution Approach 1:
The automated robotic microscope system is designed to perform multiple functions including automated imaging, environmental monitoring, and communication with external systems. The enclosure provides a universal platform that supports both automated operation and mobile deployment, allowing high productivity while maintaining ease of repositioning through integrated controls and wireless connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A displaceable light-tight enclosure system housing an automated robotic microscope having electronically controllable components and an image capture device. The enclosure system includes a device(s) for displacement, an externally viewable monitor, and a plurality of electrical power receptacles. The light-tight enclosure system also incorporates an anti-fall support leg that may be extended from the enclosure.