Modular Microscope Spatial Distribution for Confined Rotating Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes require significant space and are prone to mechanical stress and imbalance when used in confined or rotating environments, such as space stations or satellites, making them difficult to install and operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular microscope device with spatially distributed image input and output units, an object carrier unit, and a coupling unit that allows for optical alignment without physical connection, enabling flexible arrangement and reduced mechanical load through derotator and channel switching units, allowing for efficient microscopic examination under various gravitational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional microscope with a microscope tube is used, then microscopic examination can be performed, but the device requires a large amount of space and is difficult to install under confined conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope is divided into separate functional modules: an image input unit with objective lens, an image output unit with ocular lens, and a coupling unit. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and connected, eliminating the need for a large fixed microscope tube structure while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear tube structure to a spatially distributed modular arrangement. The image input and output units are positioned at different locations and connected through optical paths, utilizing three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to a single-direction tube, thereby reducing the footprint in confined environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the microscope is constructed together with the microscope tube on the centrifuge, then the microscope can be used in space, but a high load on individual components occurs and experiment can be disturbed due to imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope components are segmented into separate units that can be independently mounted on the centrifuge. The image input unit, image output unit, and coupling unit can be positioned at different radial distances from the rotation axis, allowing the system to maintain balance during rotation while still enabling microscopic examination.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit acts as an intermediary element that optically connects the image input and output units while allowing for flexible positioning. This intermediary structure enables the microscope to function in rotating environments without requiring all components to be rigidly fixed together, thereby reducing mechanical stress and imbalance.
3Productivity
If image input units are arranged in a spatially distributed manner with different sample receiving regions, then multiple samples can be viewed simultaneously, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independent image input units, each with its own objective lens and sample receiving region. These segmented units can be simultaneously or alternately coupled to the image output unit, enabling multi-sample observation without requiring a complex mechanical switching mechanism, as each unit operates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit provides dynamic connectivity, allowing the system to switch between different image input units based on operational needs. This dynamic coupling mechanism enables flexible configuration of which samples are being observed while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to rigid fixed arrangements.
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 device can be used in confined spaces with reduced mechanical stress and imbalance, enabling flexible and space-saving microscopic examination under different gravitational conditions, including microgravity and hypergravity, while maintaining high resolution and efficient sample observation.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling unit, which couples the image output unit and one of the at least two image input units optically to form a microscope unit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for microscopic examination includes an image output unit, at least two image input units, which are arranged in a spatially distributed manner and which have different sample receiving regions, at least one object carrier unit which supports at least one sample, in particular at least one biological sample, and includes a coupling unit, which couples the image output unit and one of the at least two image input units optically to form a microscope unit.