Modular Lens-Less Microscopy for Autoclavable Sterile Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopy systems face challenges in maintaining sterility and reliability within CO2 incubators due to contamination risks from joints and geometrical features, inability to withstand autoclave conditions, and limitations in handling multiple samples simultaneously, while also requiring significant space and being expensive.
Innovation Solution
A lens-less imaging system with a modular, unibody design, using thermoset epoxy sealing, magnetic Pogo pin connectors, and anti-microbial surfaces, along with temperature and humidity sensors, to ensure autoclaveability and maintain sterility, allowing multiple samples to be imaged simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microscopy systems are used in CO2 incubators, then imaging capability is provided, but contamination risks increase due to joints and geometrical features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (imaging system, incubator chamber, sample holders) into a single integrated autoclavable unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sterilization of multiple components and reduces the number of joints and interfaces where contamination could occur, directly addressing the sterility maintenance challenge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into modular functional units (light source, imaging sensor, sample holders, heating elements) that can be independently designed and manufactured with smooth surfaces. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for autoclavability while maintaining overall system functionality, reducing contamination risks from complex geometries.
2Reliability
If incubator is mounted on top of microscope, then sterilization setup is provided, but space requirement increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is nested within the incubator chamber in a space-efficient configuration. The microscope and imaging components are positioned inside the incubator environment rather than having the incubator mounted separately on top, creating a compact integrated unit that reduces the overall footprint and space requirements in the laboratory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the incubator chamber and imaging system into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for separate sterilization setup space. This merging of functions allows the system to maintain sterilization capability while occupying substantially less laboratory space compared to conventional separate setups.
3Reliability
If conventional microscope with optical system is placed in incubator, then imaging is possible, but autoclave sterilization becomes challenging and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical components from conventional microscope designs and replaces them with lens-less imaging technology that uses flat sensors and direct light paths. This extraction of complex optical systems eliminates the need for delicate alignment and sealing required in conventional microscopes, making the entire system autoclavable without risk of optical misalignment or condensation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the imaging parameter from conventional optical lens-based imaging to lens-less direct imaging. This parameter change allows the imaging components to be constructed from autoclavable materials without complex optical pathways, enabling straightforward autoclave sterilization and improving ease of manufacture for sterile applications.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular imaging system is used, then interchangeability is provided, but contamination risk increases from interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The modular interfaces are designed with pre-sterilized connection features and interlocking mechanisms that maintain sealed interfaces during module changes. The preliminary design of these interfaces ensures that when modules are interchanged, the connection points remain contamination-resistant, allowing versatility without compromising sterility.
Solution Approach 2:
The module interfaces utilize composite material designs that combine smooth, non-porous surfaces with magnetic and mechanical connection features. This composite approach allows for easy module interchangeability while the smooth composite surfaces prevent contamination accumulation and facilitate autoclave sterilization of the entire assembled system.
5Ease of manufacture
If lens-less imaging system is used, then autoclaveability is achieved, but imaging precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from lens-based to lens-less direct imaging onto flat sensors. This parameter change enables autoclave sterilization of the entire imaging system while maintaining sufficient imaging precision for cellular and microbiological applications through optimized sensor positioning and light source geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical lens system with a lens-less imaging approach using direct light-sensor interaction. This substitution eliminates the need for precision optical alignment that would be compromised by autoclaving, while maintaining imaging precision through carefully designed light paths and sensor configurations suitable for biological microscopy.
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 system provides reliable, compact, and affordable imaging within a sterile environment, capable of withstanding autoclave conditions, minimizing contamination risks, and maintaining sample integrity without heat alteration, while supporting multiple samples concurrently.
Implementation Method 1
The individual modules are autoclavable with anti-microbial surfaces and have a unibody design with minimal features and smooth external surfaces
Implementation Method 2
magnetic Pogo pin connectors
Implementation Method 3
temperature and humidity sensors
Implementation Method 4
temperature and humidity sensors
Implementation Method 5
individual modules with anti-microbial & anti-bacterial external surface
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement of a lens less imaging microscopy system having an antimicrobial and anti-bacterial surface. The system provides a modular layout, i.e., having exchangeable or interchangeable modules along with autoclave ability of individual modules. The lens less imaging system may include a light engine module, sample containing specific module, camera module, chip dock module that are swappable, respectively. The lens less imaging system may also include a software module that allows recognition of attachments and detachments of the various modules. The lens less imaging system has higher flexibility and affordability due to the swappable modules.