Retroreflective Microplate Observation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Observation of cells in microplate wells is hindered by the curvature of the liquid surface due to surface tension, causing lens effects that distort the view.
Innovation Solution
An observation device with a retroreflective member and an objective lens arrangement below the sample in the direction of gravity, using illumination optical systems that irradiate the sample with light without passing through the objective lens, and a detection optical system that collects and enhances fluorescence, allowing for clear observation regardless of liquid surface height or curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover composed of a microlens array is arranged to cancel out the refractive power of the liquid surface, then the lens effect is prevented, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex microlens array cover by adopting a simple retroreflective member instead. The retroreflective member is placed at the bottom of the well to return light to the objective lens, achieving the same optical correction function without the complexity of a microlens array cover, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing lens effects and maintaining device simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing a corrective element (microlens array) above the liquid surface as in conventional approaches, the patent inverts the approach by placing a retroreflective member below the liquid surface at the well bottom. This inverted configuration achieves optical path correction through light reflection rather than refraction, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the objective lens and illumination optical system are arranged below the sample, then the lens effect from liquid surface curvature is eliminated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination optical system and objective lens into a single inverted microscope configuration below the sample. The illumination light passes through the retroreflective member and sample, then the same objective lens collects the reflected light for detection. This merging approach achieves optical path correction while consolidating components, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate illumination and detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens serves multiple functions: it acts as both the illumination lens and the detection lens in the inverted configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of optical components needed, achieving the goal of eliminating liquid surface lens effects while maintaining device simplicity through component 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
Enables bright and clear observation of cells by recycling illumination light to maintain focus and prevent lens effects, ensuring consistent imaging across varying liquid surface conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective member that is arranged opposite the objective lens with the sample interposed therebetween and in which a plurality of very small reflective elements are arrayed
Implementation Method 2
an excitation illumination optical system that causes fluorescence to be generated by irradiating the sample with the illumination light
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens that collects observation light from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, cells cultured inside the wells of a microplate are observed easily and clearly regardless of the height or curvature state of the liquid surface of the culturing liquid. Provided is an observation device that includes an illumination optical system that irradiates a transparent sample with illumination light from a light source, an objective lens that collects observation light from the sample, a detection optical system that detects the observation light collected by the objective lens, and a retroreflective member that is arranged opposite the objective lens with the sample interposed therebetween and in which a plurality of very small reflective elements are arrayed. The objective lens and the illumination optical system are arranged below the sample in the direction of gravity.