Microscope Slide Holder for Scanning Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for automatically moving samples in microscopes require special or modified microscope structures, making them unsuitable for microscopes with laterally stationary sample stages.
Innovation Solution
A microscope slide holder that fits into the existing mounting zone of a microscope, allowing for electronic movement of the slide in the X-Y plane and Z-axis, enabling scanning microscopy without modifying the sample stage, and allowing light to pass through for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a special or modified sample stage is used to enable automatic sample movement, then scanning microscopy capability is achieved, but device complexity and microscope modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a conventional stationary sample stage and a separate movable slide holder assembly. The slide holder contains the moving components (piezoelectric actuators, slide platform) while the sample stage remains simple and unmodified. This segmentation allows scanning capability to be added without complicating the overall microscope structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide holder acts as an intermediary device between the conventional sample stage and the imaging system. It interfaces with the existing stage mounting zone while providing the necessary movement capabilities, thus enabling scanning microscopy without directly modifying the sample stage structure.
2Productivity
If a movable sample stage is implemented, then automated sample scanning is enabled, but ease of operation and rapid conversion between modes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration between conventional and scanning microscopy modes by simply removing or installing the slide holder. The movable components are only engaged when scanning is needed, providing flexibility and ease of operation while maintaining automated scanning capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide holder can be easily removed after use, allowing the microscope to return to its simple conventional imaging mode. This temporary addition and removal approach enables rapid conversion between modes without permanent modifications or complex reconfiguration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large flat sample stage is used to accommodate slide moving devices, then automated movement is possible, but the requirement for extensive modifications to ordinary stages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide holder base portion is designed with universal compatibility to fit into the standard mounting zone of conventional microscope slides. This multi-functional design allows the same holder structure to work with ordinary microscope stages without requiring any stage modifications, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
Enables conversion of conventional microscopes to scanning microscopes without altering the sample stage, allowing for precise sample scanning and imaging, and rapid conversion back to conventional imaging by simply adding or removing the slide holder.
Implementation Method 1
the manipulator comprises at least one piezoelectric actuator for moving the slide holder portion laterally and vertically
Implementation Method 2
A microscope slide holder for an optical microscope... allowing light to pass through for illumination
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a microscope slide holder for an optical microscope. The slide holder comprises a base portion,a slideholder portion arranged on the base portion and having a mounting zone capable of receiving microscope slidesof one or more slidetypes, the slide holder portion being movably arranged on the base portion,and a manipulator for moving the slideholder portion with respect to the base portionin three orthogonal dimensions. According to the invention, the base portion is dimensioned to fit into a mounting zone designed for at least one of said one or more microscope slidetypes.The invention allows for convenient sample movement in microscopes whose sample stage is not inherently designed for scanning microscopy.