Conical Mounting for Microscope Component Angular Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching optical microscope components, such as bayonet locks and screw joints, lack precision in determining the angular position, which is crucial for microscopy applications, leading to inaccuracies in component alignment and electrical signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an annular receptacle and insertion part with conical retaining projections and a spring-loaded retaining collar, allowing for precise angular mounting and electrical connectivity through a three-point bearing mechanism, enabling precise alignment and secure attachment with minimal space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bayonet locks or screw joints are used for attaching microscope components, then the attachment mechanism is simple and easy to operate, but the angular position precision is poor (accuracy of approximately 10°)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conical surfaces (curved geometry) for the retaining projections and retaining collar to achieve precise angular positioning. The conical geometry provides self-centering and precise angular determination through the conical frustum surfaces, replacing traditional flat or cylindrical bayonet lock geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism performs preliminary centering and angular alignment through the conical retaining projections before final locking. The conical geometry automatically guides the insertion part into the correct angular position during the attachment process, eliminating the need for manual angular adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If screw joints are used for attaching components, then the attachment is secure, but the component must be rotated 360° several times, requiring large mounting space and increasing attachment time
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: retaining projections with conical frustum surfaces, a retaining collar with corresponding conical geometry, and a lateral opening for insertion. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently within a compact space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional axial screw rotation to a combination of lateral insertion and limited rotation. The attachment operation occurs primarily in the lateral dimension through the opening, with only a small rotational movement needed for locking, significantly reducing the mounting space requirement.
3Reliability
If conventional attachment mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the electrical signal transmission and data transmission connectivity is unreliable due to imprecise angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with a conical geometric system that provides automatic mechanical alignment and angular positioning. The conical retaining projections and collar create a self-aligning mechanism that ensures precise positioning for electrical and data connectivity without requiring additional alignment features.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching a first optical microscope component part to a second part includes an annular receptacle attached to the second part and an annual insertion part. The annular insertion part includes outside-conical retaining projections. The receptacle includes a base ring having a retaining collar with an inside cone tapering away from the base ring and in which a lateral opening is formed, through which the insertion part can be inserted in the receptacle such that it is located on a pre-locking position in which the annular openings overlap. The insertion part and the receptacle can be moved by reciprocal rotation from the pre-locking position into a locking position in which the outside-conical retaining projections of the insertion part are seated against the inside cone of the retaining collar and press the insertion part on the base ring, whereby the insertion part is locked to the receptacle.