Objective Lens Unit With Retractable Coupling for Lens Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is difficult to detach and replace objective lenses in microscopes due to the integral nature of the correction ring, gear, and motor, requiring the entire assembly to be detached.
Innovation Solution
The objective lens unit incorporates a first rotary member with indentations and a second rotary member with pins that engage, allowing for independent rotation and detachment of the objective lens by positioning the second rotary member at a retraction position, facilitated by detection sections for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the correction ring, gear, and motor are integrated into a single assembly, then the power transmission mechanism can rotate the objective lens for correction, but the objective lens cannot be detached independently for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integral assembly into separate functional components: the objective lens unit (with correction ring and first rotary member) and the drive unit (with second rotary member and motor). This segmentation allows the objective lens to be detached independently while maintaining the power transmission capability of the drive unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The objective lens unit is extracted as a separate detachable component from the integrated assembly. The first rotary member is mounted on the objective lens and can be detached together with the lens, while the second rotary member and motor remain in the microscope body for continued use with different lenses.
2Ease of operation
If the second rotary member continuously engages with the first rotary member, then the correction ring can be rotated for aberration correction, but the objective lens cannot be detached
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the first and second rotary members is made dynamic rather than static. The second rotary member can rotate to switch between engagement and disengagement states, allowing the system to adapt between correction mode (engaged) and replacement mode (disengaged).
Solution Approach 2:
Before detaching the objective lens, the second rotary member is rotated in advance to the disengagement position, ensuring that the engagement portions are already separated. This preliminary action prevents forced detachment and protects the engagement mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision alignment is required for the engagement portions, then the power transmission is accurate, but the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement portions are designed with asymmetric features including inclined surfaces and positioning protrusions that guide the alignment process. This asymmetric design provides self-alignment capabilities, reducing the complexity of precise manual alignment while maintaining accurate power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection section acts as an intermediary that detects the alignment state of the engagement portions and provides feedback. This mediator ensures accurate alignment by monitoring the positional relationship between the first and second rotary members, reducing the need for complex manual alignment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An objective lens unit includes an objective lens, a first rotary member, a second rotary member, and a drive section. The objective lens is provided with a correction ring. The first rotary member is mounted on the objective lens. The second rotary member engages with the first rotary member. The first rotary member has a first engagement portion. The second rotary member has a second engagement portion that is to engage with the first engagement portion. The second engagement portion is disposed at a part in the circumferential direction of the second rotary member. The second rotary member rotates to be positioned at an engagement position or a retraction position. The engagement position is a position where the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion. The retraction position is a position where the second engagement portion retracts from the first engagement portion.