Microscope Bright-Field Fluorescence Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for microscope apparatuses that can quickly switch between bright-field observation and fluorescence observation methods for biological samples, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms for rapid mode switching.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus is designed with a bright-field illumination optical system, a fluorescence illumination optical system, and an observation optical system, along with a controller that manages the switching between these systems using a slider or turret mechanism to prevent or allow illumination, enabling seamless transitions between bright-field and fluorescence observations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple observation methods are available for the same sample, then observation capabilities are improved, but switching time between methods increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bright-field and fluorescence observation systems into a single microscope apparatus with integrated illumination optical systems. The bright-field illumination optical system and fluorescence illumination optical system share common components such as the objective lens and observation optical path, allowing rapid switching between observation methods without requiring separate instruments or extensive reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching mechanisms including a shutter that can rapidly block or transmit light, and a filter wheel or tunable filter system that dynamically changes the spectral characteristics of illumination. These dynamic components enable quick transitions between bright-field and fluorescence modes by simply changing the state of the shutter or filter configuration, rather than requiring mechanical reassembly or complex adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If a shutter mechanism is added to prevent illumination light, then control over observation modes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light control function into a separate, dedicated shutter mechanism that can be independently operated. This shutter is specifically designed to block or transmit illumination light without interfering with other optical paths or functions. By separating this control function into a discrete component, the system achieves ease of operation while minimizing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the sample, providing simple binary control (blocked or transmitted) without requiring complex modulation or adjustment mechanisms. This intermediary component simplifies the control architecture by reducing the need for sophisticated control systems while still achieving effective mode switching.
3Productivity
If rapid switching between observation methods is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to frequent mechanical movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive mechanical movement systems with minimally moving components. The shutter mechanism requires only simple linear or rotational motion to switch between open and closed states, and the filter switching system uses a compact wheel or solid-state tunable filter that requires minimal mechanical travel. This reduction in mechanical complexity and movement distance significantly improves reliability while maintaining rapid switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions all necessary filters and optical components in advance within easily accessible locations on the filter wheel or optical train. The shutter is pre-positioned in the optical path at a location that allows rapid insertion or removal. This preliminary arrangement of components eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during switching, reducing mechanical stress and improving durability.
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 apparatus allows for rapid and efficient switching between bright-field and fluorescence observations, enhancing user convenience and observational capabilities by controlling the optical paths and light sources to accommodate different observation modes.
Implementation Method 1
an irradiation preventing portion that prevents irradiation of the illumination light on the sample
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence illumination optical system that radiates excitation light onto the sample for performing fluorescence observation of the sample
Implementation Method 3
an observation optical system that observes observation light from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope apparatus according to the present invention includes a bright-field illumination optical system and a fluorescence illumination optical system that respectively radiate illumination light and excitation light onto a sample, an observation optical system that observes observation light from the sample, and a controller that controls the fluorescence illumination optical system so that the excitation light is radiated onto the sample when the irradiation of the illumination light on the sample is prevented by an irradiation preventing portion of the bright-field illumination optical system and so that the irradiation of the excitation light on the sample is prevented when the irradiation of the illumination light on the sample is not prevented by the irradiation preventing portion.