Soft Polymer Light Blocking Member for Microscope Objective Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light blocking members for microscopes, such as Raman microscopes, are expensive and require complex operations when placing or removing samples, as they need to be opened and closed to block ambient light effectively.
Innovation Solution
A light blocking member made from a soft polymer with specific properties, including low transmittance, elasticity, and a cylindrical shape that fits onto the objective lens assembly, allowing for efficient ambient light blocking without the need for special operations during sample placement or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover member made of thin metal plate is used to block ambient light, then light blocking performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal plate cover members with inexpensive black painted plastic members that can be easily manufactured and disposed of, achieving the same light blocking function at much lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic and applies black paint to achieve light blocking, instead of using inherently light-blocking metal materials, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover member is used to block ambient light, then light blocking performance is improved, but operational complexity increases due to opening and closing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover member into an upper light blocking portion and a lower base portion, allowing the upper portion to be flexible and movable while the lower portion remains stable, enabling easy sample placement without complex opening/closing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the upper light blocking portion flexible so it can automatically adapt to different sample sizes and positions, eliminating the need for manual opening and closing operations required by rigid cover members
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 soft polymer light blocking member effectively blocks ambient light at a low cost, simplifying the process of placing or removing samples by fitting onto the objective lens assembly and not requiring removal during sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
the light blocking member has a transmittance of 1% or less for light in the wavelength region of 300 to 1000 nm
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member is buried which extends in the circumferential direction from near one side, in the circumferential direction, of the slit to near another side of the slit away from the slit
Data Source
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AI summary
A light blocking member (18) for application to a microscope is provided. Although it is producible at a sufficiently low cost, it can sufficiently block ambient light, and does not require a special operation when a sample (16) is placed on a stage (2) or the sample is taken out from above the stage. The light blocking member (18) is formed from a soft polymer, has an inner peripheral surface which is cylindrical in at least an upper part thereof, and is held on an objective lens assembly by fitting the upper part onto the outer peripheral surface of the objective lens assembly.