Non-contact Temperature Measurement in Inverted Microscope Turrets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement methods for living cell or tissue cultures in inverted microscopes face challenges such as germ infestation and measurement errors due to evaporative cooling, particularly when temperature sensors are immersed in the nutrient solution.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact temperature measurement device with a radio interface, microcontroller, and inclination sensor is integrated into the objective turret of an inverted microscope, allowing for precise temperature measurement of the cultivation vessel's bottom without direct contact, minimizing evaporation cooling and enabling easy retrofitting to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is immersed in the nutrient solution for direct measurement, then the temperature measurement is direct and responsive, but germ infestation occurs and measurement errors due to evaporative cooling arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (refractory material such as ceramic or glass) that fills the space between the objective lens and the culture vessel bottom. This intermediary allows thermal radiation to pass through while preventing direct contact between the sensor and the nutrient solution, thereby eliminating germ infestation risks and evaporative cooling errors while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based temperature measurement (immersed sensor) with a non-contact optical measurement system. The sensor detects thermal radiation from the culture vessel bottom through the transparent objective lens and intermediary material, eliminating the need for physical immersion and associated harmful effects.
2Reliability
If a non-contact temperature measurement system is implemented, then germ infestation and evaporative cooling errors are avoided, but device complexity increases due to additional components like radio interface and inclination sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the objective turret to serve dual functions: it can hold traditional objectives for optical observation and can be replaced by the measuring device for temperature measurement. The inclination sensor serves multiple purposes by detecting both the vertical alignment for measurement activation and the position for power management. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination sensor automatically detects the vertical alignment of the measuring device and triggers the measurement process without manual intervention. The system self-activates when properly positioned and self-manages power consumption by switching off components when not in use, reducing operational complexity for the user.
3Measurement precision
If the measuring device components are continuously active, then measurement readiness is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of measurement components based on the detection of vertical alignment through the inclination sensor. The sensor and radio interface are activated only when the measuring device is in the correct position for measurement and switched off otherwise, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining measurement readiness when needed.
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
This solution provides accurate and sterile temperature measurements, reducing power consumption and simplifying use by minimizing unnecessary component activation when not in use, while avoiding germ infestation and evaporative cooling errors.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor 36 by means of which a non-contact temperature measurement can be carried out on a bottom of a culturing vessel
Implementation Method 2
with an inclination sensor being arranged inside the housing, which can emit a signal that indicates the introduction of the housing into the beam path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Measuring device in a movable and height-adjustable objective turret (8) of an inverting microscope (4), in particular for observing living cell and/or tissue cultures, which has on a bottom side (62) of a housing (60) a receiving means (64) for attachment to an objective position provided for an objective (10) in the objective turret (8) and which is equipped on a top side (30) opposite the bottom side (62) with a measuring sensor (36) inside the housing (60), by means of which a non-contact temperature measurement on a bottom of a culture vessel (28) can be carried out, provided that the housing (60) is brought into a beam path of the inverting microscope (4) at the selected objective position in the objective turret (8).