Modular Microscopic Observation Kit with Adjustable Lens Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscopic observation kits associated with image acquisition devices, such as smartphones, face limitations in universality, portability, and optical performance, often requiring specific phone models and suffering from performance and durability issues due to bulky components.

Innovation Solution

A modular kit comprising a light source, optical system with interchangeable lens assemblies, and a supporting structure that can be easily combined and upgraded, allowing for flexible use with various image acquisition devices and enabling high-performance microscopic observations while maintaining portability and ease of manufacture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If miniaturized and integrated microscope elements are mounted aboard the phone, then portability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and complex, preventing normal use and requiring suitable cases for carrying

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidbulkiness and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microscope system is divided into separate modular components: a lens assembly that can be detached from the smartphone, allowing the phone to remain lightweight and simple while the optical components are carried separately in a compact case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical components are extracted from the smartphone body and housed in a separate carrying case, eliminating the bulkiness and complexity from the phone itself while maintaining portability through the compact case design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If rigid supports with predetermined positioning are used, then optical performance is improved, but universality is reduced as they require specific phone models and predefined working distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical performanceVSAvoiduniversality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lens assembly incorporates adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the working distance to be dynamically changed to match different smartphone camera positions, enabling universal compatibility across multiple phone models while maintaining optimal optical performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The lens assembly is designed with universal mounting features and adjustable positioning capabilities that allow it to be adapted to various smartphone models, making a single lens assembly suitable for multiple devices rather than requiring model-specific rigid supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 kit provides universal compatibility with different image acquisition devices, ensuring high-performance microscopic observations, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness, with modular components that can be individually replaced for upgrades, addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a light source (12) and an optical system (14) carrying at least one lens assembly (25)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

an optical system (14) carrying at least one lens assembly (25), wherein each lens assembly (25) comprises one or more magnification lenses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical magnification: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3877796B1Kit for microscopic observation associable with an image acquisition device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 SMARTMICROOPTICS SRL
  • EP3877796B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3877796B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3877796B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The kit (10) comprises a light source (12) and an optical system (14) equipped with a lens assembly (25) defining a magnification optical axis (X-X). There is also a frame (16) crossable by the light generated by said light source (12). The frame (16) is configured for supporting a sample holder (H), a portable electronic apparatus (S) equipped with an image acquisition device (C), and the optical system (14), which can be interposed between the sample holder (H) and the image acquisition device (C). The optical system (14) is also configured for being movable in a guided manner on the frame (16), so as to allow aligning the optical axis (X-X) with the image acquisition device (C). There is also a carrying body (18) configured for receiving in abutment the frame (16) and housing the light source (12) directing light towards the optical system (14) through the frame (16).