Microscope Photodetector Protection via Lid-Linked Voltage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing observation apparatuses fail to reliably prevent excessive light from entering photodetectors, leading to deterioration and damage, as they either allow light to enter before high voltage is set to zero or experience a time lag between lid opening detection and shutter closure.

Innovation Solution

An observation apparatus with a light-blocking casing, a lid that can close off the opening, and a light-detection restricting mechanism that prevents external light detection, even when the opening is closed, using a switching mechanism to control the drive voltage and a locking mechanism to ensure the lid remains closed during light detection restriction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lid is opened to exchange contained items, then ease of operation is improved, but excessive light may enter the photodetector causing deterioration or damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of item exchangeVSAvoidexcessive light exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting lid opening and proactively restricting light detection before the lid is fully opened. The controller detects when the lid portion is opened and提前 restricts light detection by the photodetector, preventing excessive light from causing damage while still allowing convenient item exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the lid opening detection to trigger light detection restriction. When the lid opening is detected, the controller automatically restricts light detection, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to operational states and prevents harmful light exposure dynamically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high voltage is set to zero to protect the photodetector, then photodetector protection is improved, but light intensity detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotodetector protectionVSAvoidlight intensity detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the photodetector's operating state based on operational needs. High voltage is applied during normal observation for sensitive light detection, and restricted when lid opening is detected to prevent damage. This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize between detection precision and protection based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by restricting light detection before excessive light can cause damage. Instead of waiting for damage to occur and then protecting the photodetector, the system proactively prevents the harmful condition by detecting lid opening and restricting light detection in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a shutter is used to block light, then photodetector protection is improved, but response time deteriorates due to time lag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight blockingVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical shutter system with an electronic control approach. Instead of using a physical shutter that requires time to open and close, the controller electronically restricts light detection by controlling the photodetector's operation. This substitution eliminates mechanical response delays and provides instantaneous protection when lid opening is detected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Effectively prevents photodetector exposure to excessive light by ensuring the opening is not carelessly opened and light detection is restricted, thereby protecting the photodetector from damage.

Implementation Method 1

a photodetector that detects observation light coming from a specimen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a casing that has an opening that allows contained items to be placed therein and removed therefrom, that has a light blocking capability, and that covers the photodetector; a lid portion that can close off the opening of the casing and that has a light blocking capability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9970922B2Observation apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

With the object of preventing deterioration of or damage to a photodetector caused by excessive light by more reliably preventing the excessive light from entering the photodetector, a microscope of the present invention is provided with a high-sensitivity detector, such as an HPD, a GaAsP, an EM-CCD or the like, that detects observation light coming from a specimen, a box-shaped casing that has an opening that allows contained items to be placed therein and removed therefrom and that covers the high-sensitivity detector, a door that can close off the opening of the casing, a switch that restricts light detection by the high-sensitivity detector by turning on and off a drive voltage to be applied to the high-sensitivity detector, and an opening restricting mechanism that allows the opening of the casing in the closed state imposed by the door to be opened only when the light detection by the high-sensitivity detector is restricted by the switch.