Modular Mirror Device for SPIM Microscopy Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SPIM microscopy deflection devices are laboriously manufactured, complex, and not suitable for series production, making them cumbersome and costly to manufacture and use.
Innovation Solution
A mirror device with a detachable deflection mirror mounted on a holding component that can be easily and reliably attached to a microscope objective, allowing for flexible use of multiple deflection mirrors and easy cleaning, with the option for adjustable positioning and interchangeable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deflection devices are manufactured in one piece using complex production methods, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection device is divided into multiple separate components: a holding component and multiple deflection mirrors. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler methods, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding component is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple different deflection mirrors. This multi-functional design simplifies manufacturing by using a standardized holding component that can be paired with various mirror configurations for different applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deflection devices are manufactured in one piece, then structural stability is improved, but ease of manufacture and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a stable holding component and separate deflection mirrors, the structural stability of the holding component is maintained while the mirrors can be easily manufactured and replaced. The holding component provides the stable mounting structure, while the mirrors are simple optical elements that are easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable mounting allows the system to transition from a fixed one-piece structure to a dynamic configurable system. The holding component remains stable and fixed, while the deflection mirrors can be attached, detached, and reconfigured as needed, providing both stability and manufacturing flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple deflection mirrors are used, then adaptability and illumination flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple deflection mirrors are used as separate, interchangeable components rather than integrated into a single complex structure. Each mirror can be independently mounted on the holding component, allowing flexible configuration for different illumination requirements without increasing the complexity of the underlying mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding component is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different deflection mirrors. This allows the system to achieve high adaptability by simply changing which mirrors are mounted, rather than designing a complex multi-functional integrated structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If deflection mirrors are permanently mounted, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The holding component is pre-configured with mounting structures that ensure precise alignment when deflection mirrors are attached. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface allows for quick and easy attachment while maintaining high alignment precision, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding component acts as an intermediary between the microscope objective and the deflection mirrors. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment process while ensuring precise optical alignment, making the system easy to operate and maintain without sacrificing alignment precision.
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 mirror device simplifies the mounting and alignment of deflection mirrors, enabling efficient and reliable illumination of samples from multiple directions, reducing sample damage and facilitating series production, while allowing for precise control over light manipulation and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a deflection mirror (10) which is configured and intended to deflect the light band emerging from the illumination objective (30) in such a way that the deflected light band propagates at an angle differing from zero degrees with respect to the optical axis (35)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mirror device for deflecting illuminating light in SPIM microscopy. The invention is characterized by a holding component that comprises a connecting element for mounting the holding component on a microscope objective, at least one deflection mirror being detachably mounted on the holding component.