Compact Slit Illumination Device for Handheld Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slit illumination modules are too bulky to be applied to handheld devices, limiting their use to desktop systems.
Innovation Solution
A slit illumination device with a diaphragm and projection lens group configuration where the distance from the diaphragm to the projection lens group is greater than the focal length on the light entrance side but less than twice that, allowing for a compact design suitable for handheld devices, and incorporating a varifocal imaging lens group and adjustable optical components for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional slit illumination module design is used, then illumination function is achieved, but device volume becomes too bulky for handheld application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of lens spacing from conventional large distances to a specific range (greater than focal length but less than 2 times focal length). This parameter optimization enables the projection lens group to achieve effective light convergence while significantly reducing the overall module volume, making handheld application feasible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces varifocal imaging lens group capability, allowing the focal length to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the system to adapt to different imaging requirements while maintaining a compact form factor, as the variable focus mechanism allows for shorter minimum working distances compared to fixed focal length systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If compact design is implemented, then handheld applicability is achieved, but optical performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the lens spacing parameter within the specific range (focal length < distance < 2× focal length), the patent achieves both compact size and effective light convergence. This parameter optimization ensures that the reduced volume does not compromise the illumination quality and contrast performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional modules: light source module, diaphragm module with slit pattern, projection lens group, and imaging lens group. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system compactness and performance
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 compact design enables the slit illumination device to be used in handheld devices while maintaining high contrast and depth of field, facilitating portable and versatile microscopy applications.
Implementation Method 1
The projection lens group is disposed on a light exit side of the first diaphragm, converging the primary illumination light and projecting the converged light to a target object
Implementation Method 2
The imaging lens group converges the light coming from the target object to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A slit illumination device includes a first light-emitting element, a first diaphragm and a projection lens group. The first light-emitting element generates a primary illumination light. The first diaphragm has at least one opening and is disposed on a light exit side of the first light-emitting element, wherein the opening is an elongate shaped opening. The projection lens group is disposed on a light exit side of the first diaphragm, converging the primary illumination light and projecting it to a target object. A distance from the first diaphragm to the projection lens group is 1-2 times a focal length of the projection lens group on a light entrance side. The foregoing slit illumination device has advantages of simple structure, small size, and longer depth of field. A microscope system including the foregoing slit illumination device is also disclosed.