Rotating Polygonal Housing for Combined Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopy and imaging instruments are either bulky and expensive when combining microscopy and spectroscopy functions or inexpensive but not optimized for precise surface analysis, requiring multiple instruments for optical and spectroscopic observations.
Innovation Solution
A polygonal housing system with a rotating mechanism allows for easy switching between optical imaging and spectroscopy modes using a single sensor that can orient towards the object for imaging or diffraction for spectroscopy, incorporating a diffraction device like a prism or grating, and multiple sensors connected to a processing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single instrument combines spectroscopy and microscopy functions, then cost and device complexity are reduced, but the instrument becomes incompatible with different microscope types and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The spectroscopy device is designed with a polygonal housing that can be mounted on different microscope types (optical, electronic, scanning probe) through a universal mounting interface. The housing rotates to present different functional faces (imaging sensor face, spectroscopy sensor face, diffraction device face) allowing a single device to perform multiple functions across different microscope platforms without requiring microscope-specific customization.
2Ease of manufacture
If portable and inexpensive spectroscopy equipment is used, then cost is reduced, but localization precision and optimization for microscope conjunction are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the spectroscopy sensor, imaging sensor, and diffraction device into a single integrated housing that can be mounted on existing microscopes. This combination allows the system to leverage the precise positioning capabilities of the host microscope while adding spectroscopic functionality, thereby achieving both cost-effectiveness and precise surface localization without requiring separate expensive instruments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for optical and spectroscopic observations, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a rotation mechanism that dynamically repositions different functional faces of the housing to face the object under study. The housing can rotate between an imaging position where the imaging sensor faces the object for optical observation, and a spectroscopy position where the diffraction device and spectroscopy sensor are positioned for spectral analysis. This dynamic repositioning allows a single device to replace multiple static instruments.
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 precise and cost-effective simultaneous optical imaging and spectroscopy without needing separate instruments, facilitating easy mode switching and integration with various existing equipment like microscopes or telescopes.
Implementation Method 1
The diffraction device may include a diffraction grating or a prism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for obtaining a spectrum of and imaging an object (500), which includes: a polygonal casing (100) having at least four sides (31) one side of which contains a slit (32), in which casing the following are placed: at least one imaging sensor (350), each sensor being placed in front of an aperture (35) in one side; a diffracting device (320) associated with the strip; a spectroscopy sensor (325) that is intended to capture the diffraction spectrum of the object, i.e. the spectrum issued from the diffracting device associated with the slit; and a mechanism (21, 210, 200) for rotating the casing, able to orient each imaging sensor toward the object, and able to orient the slit toward said object.