Oscillating Substrate Holder for 3D Particle Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for 3D particle image velocimetry (PIV) face limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, making them inadequate for real-time, high-resolution 3D flow measurements.

Innovation Solution

A compact system that uses an oscillating mechanical movement of the substrate holder to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution for 3D PIV, allowing for real-time detection of particles in a fluidic channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scanning light sheet is used for 3D particle imaging, then 3D information can be obtained, but the measurement time becomes too long for transient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D spatial resolutionVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic scanning approach where the light sheet is rapidly scanned through the measurement volume at high frequencies. This dynamic scanning enables the system to capture 3D particle information quickly, achieving both high spatial resolution and sufficient temporal resolution for transient flow conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic scanning of the light sheet through the measurement volume. By repeating the scanning cycle at high frequencies, the system can accumulate 3D information efficiently while maintaining the ability to capture transient phenomena through the periodic nature of the scanning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If holographic PIV is used for 3D imaging, then 3D information is provided, but the system becomes too complicated and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement volume into multiple planar sections that are scanned sequentially. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall system by using standard 2D imaging techniques repeated across multiple planes, rather than requiring complex holographic reconstruction algorithms and optics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex holographic optical systems with a simpler mechanical scanning approach using a light sheet. Instead of relying on holographic interference patterns and complex phase reconstruction, the system uses direct optical slicing and scanning to achieve 3D measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used to provide depth information, then 3D imaging is achieved, but the operation time becomes too long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth resolutionVSAvoidimaging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamically scanned light sheet that rapidly moves through the measurement volume. This dynamic scanning approach enables the system to capture depth information at high speeds, achieving both accurate depth resolution and high imaging speed for transient conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning light sheet continuously scans through the measurement volume in a rapid, continuous manner. This continuous scanning action ensures that depth information is captured without interruption, maintaining high productivity while providing accurate 3D measurements throughout the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables efficient, real-time 3D imaging of flows with high spatial and temporal resolution, reducing errors and improving the accuracy of flow measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The system may for example be suitable for optical imaging (making slices at different vertical positions) of an object (e.g. a cell or particle) in a fluidic channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical slicing:

Implementation Method 2

providing irradiation to the substrate and detecting radiation from particles in the fluid in the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3781927B13D particle imaging
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 VRIJE UNIV BRUSSEL
  • EP3781927B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3781927B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3781927B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A system (100) for imaging particles in a fluid is described. The system (100) comprises a substrate holder (110) for holding a substrate (120) comprising a channel or reservoir (122) for containing the fluid in the substrate (120), a radiation source (130) for providing irradiation in the substrate (120) and a radiation detection unit (140) for detecting particles in the fluid in the substrate. At least one of the radiation source (130) and the radiation detection unit (140) are configured so as to obtain detection in one or more distinct detection sheets (142) in the substrate (120). The system (100) further comprises an actuator (150) configured for imparting an oscillating mechanical movement of the substrate holder (110) with respect to the radiation detection unit (140) and the radiation source (130), the oscillating mechanical movement being a movement comprising a movement component in a direction perpendicular to the plane wherein the one or more detection sheets (142) are extending.