Portable Multimodal Microscopy With Modular Optics and Flexible Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable microscopes lack a compact, cost-effective design that supports variable magnification, resolution, and field of view with flexible focusing and sample handling, often requiring bulky and complex assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A compact portable multimodal microscope with interchangeable microscopy modules, adjustable light sources, and digitally controlled focusing and sample movement, enabling variable magnification, resolution, and field of view, along with manual or automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a portable microscope uses multiple lenses and complex optical systems to achieve variable magnification and resolution, then the imaging quality and versatility are improved, but the device size and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microscope into separate functional modules: an interchangeable lens assembly with multiple lenses for different magnifications, an interchangeable light source assembly with various illumination types, and a smartphone integration unit. This modular segmentation allows high-quality imaging capabilities while maintaining a compact, manageable structure that avoids the complexity of a fully integrated single-unit design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal interfaces and mounting mechanisms that allow different lens assemblies and light source assemblies to be interchangeably attached to the same base unit. The smartphone integration provides a universal platform for image capture and processing across different microscopy modes, enabling one device to perform multiple functions (brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence, phase contrast) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable microscope incorporates multiple interchangeable modules for different microscopy modes, then the versatility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope system is segmented into distinct interchangeable modules: lens assemblies optimized for specific microscopy modes (brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence, phase contrast), light source assemblies with different illumination types, and filter sets. Each module can be independently selected and attached to the base unit, providing versatile microscopy capabilities while keeping individual modules simple and manageable in size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic interchangeability through quick-release mounting mechanisms and adjustable focus mechanisms that allow users to rapidly switch between different microscopy modes by changing lens and light source modules. The focus adjustment mechanism dynamically adapts to different lens combinations, and the smartphone connection dynamically configures imaging parameters based on the attached modules, enabling versatile operation without permanent complex integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a portable microscope uses fixed focus and sample holding mechanisms, then the manufacturing cost and structural simplicity are improved, but the ease of operation and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a focus adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic changing of the focal plane by moving the lens assembly or sample stage along the optical axis. This mechanical adjustment provides flexible focusing capability while maintaining a relatively simple structure that can be manufactured cost-effectively, avoiding the need for complex automated focus systems while still enabling user control over focus.
4Weight of moving object
If a portable microscope is designed as a compact single-unit device, then the portability and ease of transport are improved, but the availability of multiple microscopy modes and features are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microscope is segmented into a compact base unit that maintains portability, with interchangeable lens assemblies and light source assemblies that can be attached as needed. The smartphone serves as a separate but integrated component for image capture and processing. This segmentation allows the main body to remain compact and portable while providing access to multiple microscopy modes through module interchangeability, avoiding the need to carry multiple separate microscope systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal mounting interfaces and a universal smartphone connection that supports multiple microscopy modes through interchangeable modules. A single compact device provides brightfield, darkfield, fluorescence, and phase contrast capabilities by simply changing lenses and light sources, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated microscopes and maintaining portability while achieving versatility.
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
Provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and versatile microscope for various applications with enhanced image quality and ease of use, allowing for variable magnification, resolution, and field of view in a single compact device.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination optical system to direct an illumination light beam from the illumination section to the sample stage
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens system, a sample stage mounted on the primary optical support element
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 2d~3a
AI summary
The disclosure herein describes a compact portable multimodal microscopy apparatus (100) comprising an optical microscopy unit (2) including one or more microscopy modules (21), wherein each microscopy module (21) comprises an optical lens assembly with eight to sixteen lens elements having a total magnification in a range of 10X to 2000X; a protective layer (3) disposed on the optical microscopy unit to protect the optical microscopy unit from physical and chemical damages; a sample holding unit (4) disposed on the protective layer, wherein the sample holding unit includes at least one compartment to hold a sample to be imaged by the one or more microscopy modules; a first light source unit (1) mounted on the optical microscopy unit; and a second light source unit (5) mounted inside the optical microscopy unit adjacent to the one or more microscopy modules.