Microscopy Sample Dish With Planar Optical Interface for Fast Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample holders for microscopy require significant assembly time and mounting on microscopes, which can increase procedure time and reduce the likelihood of using microscopy as an intraoperative imaging technique, particularly in time-sensitive medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of sample dishes with a transparent, planar optical interface and a support member that allow for quick mounting on microscopes and facilitate easy manipulation of tissue samples, featuring a design that minimizes assembly time and reduces imaging artifacts through the use of an imaging artifact reducing fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sample holders are used for microscopy, then imaging can be performed, but assembly and mounting time is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is divided into separate components: a disposable sample dish with integrated optical interface and a reusable microscope adapter. This segmentation allows the complex mounting mechanism to be pre-assembled in the adapter while the simple dish can be quickly disposed and replaced, reducing assembly time during imaging procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interface is pre-formed as an integral part of the sample dish during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming assembly steps. The dish is designed with the optical interface already positioned and configured correctly, so users only need to place the pre-prepared dish onto the microscope adapter.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sample holders with multiple parts are used, then imaging functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical interface and sample dish are merged into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate assembly of these parts. The optical interface is formed as an integral part of the dish structure, reducing the number of components from multiple separate parts to essentially two main components: the dish and the adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope adapter is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate different sample dishes and work with various microscope systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized complex mounting mechanisms for each specific application, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining imaging functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If more assembly steps are required for sample holders, then mounting stability can be improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is pre-configured in the reusable adapter during manufacturing, with all alignment features, securing mechanisms, and optical interfaces pre-positioned. When the sample dish is placed on the adapter, the mounting stability is achieved through this pre-engineered interface without requiring additional assembly steps or adjustment procedures during the actual imaging procedure.
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 sample dishes enable fast and simple imaging setups, increasing the use of microscopy as an intraoperative assessment technique and reducing patient complications due to prolonged medical imaging by minimizing setup times and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The optical interface of a sample dish is suitably transparent and planar such that a focal plane of a microscope can reside uniformly at or within a surface of a tissue sample during imaging
Implementation Method 2
The use of an imaging artifact reducing fluid minimizes imaging artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are sample dishes for use with microscopes that are simple to mount on a microscope and facilitate easy manipulation of tissue samples disposed thereon during imaging as well as methods of their use. A sample dish comprises an optical interface and, optionally, a support member that holds the optical interface. The optical interface of a sample dish is suitably transparent and planar such that a focal plane of a microscope can reside uniformly at or within a surface of a sample during imaging. In certain embodiments, a support member comprises a dish for holding excess fluid. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises separation ribs. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises one or more manipulation members (e.g., tabs). In certain embodiments, a sample dish is used with an imaging artifact reducing fluid.