Switchable Window for Light-Protected Biological Sample Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory equipment for optogenetics lacks controlled protection from light ingress and easy observation of biological samples before, during, and after illumination, requiring disassembly for effective light management.
Innovation Solution
A device with a switchable window element that changes color and light transmittance, allowing controlled light exposure and observation by switching between a closed and active state, using electrochromic materials or LCDs to manage light ingress and egress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the internal space is completely sealed with light-proof material, then light protection is improved, but observation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions (pixels or segments) that can be selectively switched between transparent and opaque states. This allows only specific portions of the window to be transparent for observation while other portions remain opaque for light protection, resolving the contradiction between complete light sealing and observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The window incorporates switchable elements (such as electrochromic materials, liquid crystals, or mechanically controllable shutters) that can dynamically change their light transmission properties. This dynamic control allows the window to adapt between fully transparent for observation and fully opaque for light protection, or any intermediate state, eliminating the need for complete disassembly to change the light protection level.
2Manufacturing precision
If the device is disassembled for light management, then light control precision is improved, but device complexity and operation time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The light control mechanism is pre-integrated into the device structure during manufacturing, with switchable elements already installed in the window. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for disassembly operations during use, as all light control functions are accessible through the intact device structure. The precise light control is built-in rather than requiring external manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable window elements act as intermediaries between the internal light-proofed space and the external environment. These intermediaries provide precise light control by selectively blocking or transmitting light without requiring physical access to or disassembly of the light-proof structure, thereby maintaining device integrity while achieving accurate light management.
3Ease of operation
If the window remains always transparent, then observation ease is improved, but light protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window transitions from a static transparent state to a dynamic state where light transmission can be controlled in real-time. The switchable elements allow the window to be transparent when observation is needed and opaque when light protection is needed, with rapid switching capability. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the window to assume different functional states as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The switchable window elements utilize color or transparency changes (such as electrochromic or liquid crystal effects) to control light transmission. When switched to the transparent state, the material becomes optically clear for observation; when switched to the opaque state, it blocks light to protect the sample. This color/transparency transformation allows a single window structure to provide both observation ease and light protection.
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 control over light exposure to biological samples, preventing unintended illumination and allowing for observation without disassembly, improving experimental precision and reproducibility in optogenetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
A device with a switchable window element that changes color and light transmittance, allowing controlled light exposure and observation by switching between a closed and active state, using electrochromic materials or LCDs to manage light ingress and egress.
Implementation Method 2
A device with a switchable window element that changes color and light transmittance, allowing controlled light exposure and observation by switching between a closed and active state, using electrochromic materials or LCDs to manage light ingress and egress.
Implementation Method 3
The internal space is at least partially surrounded by at least one wall element and, except for at least one window for observing and/or illuminating the internal space, protected from the ingress of light by at least one light-proof material.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns, amongst others, a device (1) for specific illumination of at least one biological sample, the device (1) comprising a multitude of cavities (2), each cavity (2) representing an internal space (3) being capable of holding the biological sample. The internal spaces (3) are each partially surrounded by a wall element (4) comprising windows (5) for observing and/or illuminating the internal spaces (3). In order to protect the internal spaces (3) from the ingress of light, the wall element (4) comprises a light-proof material. Each window (5) comprises at least one switchable element (8) being of switchable color and/or light transmittance. By the switchable elements (8), light exposure of the biological sample in the internal space (3) of each cavity (2) can be controlled so that unintended light exposure can be effectively avoided when illumination of the sample does not occur and/or the device (1) is stored or transported.