Compact Motorized Rotational Stage for Inverted Microscopy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotational stages for microscopy are not suitable for inverted microscopes, as they obstruct the optical path, are not designed for high-speed and high-accuracy sample orientation, and are not compatible with motorized XY stages, leading to inefficient and manual sample manipulation, especially in applications like mouse embryo injection.
Innovation Solution
A compact rotational stage with a sample clamping mechanism that allows smooth and fast rotational motion without blocking the optical path, integrated with a base for XY movement and position control, linked to a host computer for image processing and control utilities, ensuring samples remain within the microscope's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotational stage is mounted on an inverted microscope to enable sample rotation, then sample orientation capability is improved, but the stage structure blocks the optical path of the microscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rotational stage design by placing the rotation mechanism below the sample plane rather than above it. The rotational stage rotates the sample holder from the bottom, allowing light to pass through the sample and objective lens without obstruction, while still achieving sample orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the rotational mechanism to a different spatial dimension (below the sample plane) rather than positioning it in the traditional location above the sample. This dimensional relocation allows the optical path to remain clear while maintaining rotation functionality.
2Reliability
If a rotational stage with clamps on top is used to hold samples, then sample holding capability is improved, but the sample is positioned outside the working distance of inverted microscope objectives
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of clamping samples from above, the patent uses a sample holder that is clamped and rotated from below the sample plane. The sample holder extends upward to hold samples within the working distance of the inverted microscope objectives, reversing the traditional clamp positioning.
3Ease of operation
If manual joystick-based or microrobotic techniques are used for embryo orientation, then sample manipulation is possible, but the process is slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual joystick-based mechanical control with an automated motorized rotational stage system. The motorized stage can rotate samples at controlled speeds and positions automatically, eliminating the slow manual manipulation process while maintaining precise orientation capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky rotational stage is used to accommodate large sample holders, then sample holder compatibility is improved, but the stage cannot be readily mounted on motorized XY stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rotational stage into modular components: a base platform that can be mounted on XY stages, a rotational mechanism, and a sample holder attachment. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate various sample holder sizes while maintaining compatibility with standard motorized XY stage mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a compact motorized rotational stage for microscopy applications and control methods for automated sample orientation/rotation. The rotational stage includes a motor, a rotational motion transmission mechanism, and a rotating sample holder for accommodating a holding device such as glass slides/Petri dishes of different sizes. Mouse embryos are used as an example to explain the control methods. A pattern recognition utility was developed for identifying mouse embryo structures. The transformation between the holding device rotational coordinate frame and the translational positioning stage coordinate frame is calibrated during image-based visual servo control. The polar body of an embryo is oriented through purely image-based visual servo control or through coordinate transformation and closed-loop position control.