Polarization Image Acquisition Apparatus for Thermal Analyzer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal analyzers are unable to rotate their sample holders, making it difficult to obtain polarization images using a polarizing microscope, as they are of an insertion-and-retraction type and cannot be rotated.
Innovation Solution
A polarization image acquisition apparatus is attached to the thermal analyzer, featuring a light source, polarizer, analyzer, half mirror, and camera, with a rotation mechanism that allows the analyzer to be rotated independently, enabling the capture of polarization images through a window or opening without moving the sample holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a polarizing microscope is used to observe polarization images, then polarization image quality is improved, but the apparatus cannot be used because the sample holder cannot be rotated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the sample holder to achieve polarization image observation, the invention inverts the approach by rotating the analyzer (polarizing filter) while keeping the sample holder stationary. This allows the polarization direction to be changed without requiring sample holder rotation, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving good polarization images and the inability to rotate the sample holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary component (the rotatable analyzer) between the light source and the camera. By rotating this intermediary element rather than the sample holder, the system achieves polarization image observation capability without modifying the fundamental non-rotatable structure of the sample holder in thermal analyzers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sample holder is rotated to change polarization direction, then polarization image observation is enabled, but the thermal analyzer cannot accommodate this because it is of insertion-and-retraction type
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the polarization observation system into independent components: a stationary sample holder and a rotatable analyzer assembly. This segmentation allows the analyzer to be rotated independently without affecting the sample holder structure, enabling polarization observation capability while maintaining the simple insertion-and-retraction type thermal analyzer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic capability (rotation) to the analyzer component while keeping the sample holder static. This selective dynamics approach enables the system to adapt to polarization observation requirements without requiring the entire apparatus or sample holder to be rotatable, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed optical path is used, then apparatus simplicity is maintained, but light fluctuations and image shifts occur during observation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the rotation of the analyzer is coordinated with adjustments in the optical path to maintain stable imaging. The system monitors and compensates for light fluctuations and image shifts that occur during analyzer rotation, ensuring reliable and stable polarization image observation while maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure.
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
This setup allows for the acquisition of polarization images of samples within the thermal analyzer, suppressing light fluctuations and preventing observation image shifts, facilitating effective imaging despite the non-rotatable sample holder constraint.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizer constituting a polarizing filter that polarizes irradiation light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
the reflected light from the sample is observed with an analyzer... the reflected light is polarized through the half mirror and is introduced into the camera
Implementation Method 3
an analyzer constituting a polarizing filter and being configured such that polarized light transmitted through the polarizer irradiates the measurement sample or the reference sample through the window or opening via the half mirror, and the reflected light is polarized through the half mirror
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus is attached to a thermal analyzer including a pair of sample containers and a heating furnace having a window or an opening through which at least the measurement sample can be observed, and includes an attachment unit, a light source, a polarizer constituting a polarizing filter that polarizes irradiation light emitted from the light source, a camera, a half mirror, a rotation mechanism and an analyzer constituting a polarizing filter configured to polarize reflected light through the half mirror and to introduce the resulting polarized light of the reflected light into the camera, in which the polarized light irradiates the sample after passing through the window or opening and then reflects from the sample wherein the analyzer, the half mirror, and the light source are fixed to a fixing member and the rotation mechanism rotates the fixing member in a polarization direction of the analyzer.