Portable Microscope Module With Diffused Uniform Sample Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes are complex, difficult to carry, and require professional training, and they often suffer from insufficient light brightness, non-uniform light distribution, and shadows due to external light sources, making them unsuitable for non-professional use and hindering image quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable microscope module with a light source assembly, a sampling assembly, and a diffusing element, where the light source is positioned close to the light guide element, and the diffusing element is placed between the light source and the sample to ensure uniform light distribution, integrated with a lens assembly and an image capturing module for improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an external light source is used to illuminate the sample, then the light brightness is sufficient, but the light causes shadows of the sample and non-uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide element as an intermediary between the external light source and the sample. This light guide element transmits and distributes the light uniformly across the sample area, eliminating shadows while maintaining sufficient brightness. The light guide element acts as a mediator that transforms the direct, shadow-causing light into diffuse, uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical/physical light source positioning with an optical system using a light guide element. Instead of positioning the light source directly over the sample (which causes shadows), the system uses optical principles to guide and distribute light uniformly across the sample area.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the light source is installed inside the microscope module, then the light distribution is uniform, but the light brightness becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the advantages of both external and internal light sources by merging the external light source (for sufficient brightness) with the light guide element (for uniform distribution). This hybrid approach integrates the strength of external illumination with the uniformity-distributing capability of an internal optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element serves as an intermediary that connects the external light source to the sample, enabling the external light to achieve uniform distribution as if it were an internal source, while maintaining the brightness advantages of external illumination.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional microscope mechanism is used, then the amplification and focus adjustment functions are available, but the device complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of light delivery and sample illumination from the complex conventional microscope mechanism. By using a simple light guide element and sample holder assembly, it removes unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining the core functionality of magnified observation when combined with a smartphone camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal microscope module that can be attached to any smartphone with a camera lens. This multi-functional design allows the same simple structure to work with different smartphone models, eliminating the need for complex dedicated microscope mechanisms while maintaining observation 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 solution provides a portable, user-friendly microscope with uniform light distribution, eliminating shadows and improving image quality, allowing for effective observation and imaging of samples without the need for professional operation.
Implementation Method 1
The diffusing element is disposed between the light source and the sample accommodating space. The light emitted from the light source passes through the diffusing element and then enters the sample accommodating space.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope module includes a light source assembly, a sampling assembly and a diffusing element. The light source assembly includes a light source and a light guide element. The light source is disposed close to the light incidence end of the light guide element. The sampling assembly includes a cover and a base. The cover and the base are combined to define a sample accommodating space, which is located at the light exit end of the light guide element. The diffusing element is disposed between the light source and the sample accommodating space. The light emitted from the light source passes through the diffusing element and then enters the sample accommodating space. A microscope device containing the microscope module is also disclosed.