Modular Eyepiece Base Unit for Phase Contrast Microscope Upgrade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes that do not support phase contrast observation require the purchase of a new microscope to enable external phase contrast observation, lacking a cost-effective method to add this functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular eyepiece base unit with phase plates that can be inserted into the optical path of an existing microscope, allowing for phase contrast observation by positioning the phase plates at the pupil conjugate plane, enabling users to upgrade their microscopes to support phase contrast without buying a new instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new microscope is purchased to enable phase contrast observation, then phase contrast observation capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase contrast functionality is segmented from the main microscope body into a separate, modular eyepiece base unit. This unit can be independently attached or removed, allowing phase contrast observation capability to be added without modifying the core microscope system. The segmentation enables users to upgrade functionality while maintaining the original microscope's simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyepiece base unit is designed as a universal interface that can be attached to various microscope models. It incorporates multiple phase plates that can be switched between different observation modes (phase contrast, brightfield, etc.), making the add-on unit multi-functional and adaptable to different observation requirements without requiring model-specific customization.
2Ease of operation
If phase plates are installed on a slider for easy insertion/removal, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex slider mechanism to move phase plates in and out of the optical path, the invention inverts the approach by using a turret rotation mechanism. The phase plates are mounted on a rotatable turret, and switching between different plates is achieved by rotating the turret to different angular positions, which is mechanically simpler and more reliable than linear slider mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase plate switching mechanism is made dynamic and adjustable. The turret can be rotated to different angular positions to select among multiple phase plates, and the position can be freely adjusted during observation. This dynamic switching capability provides ease of operation while maintaining mechanical simplicity through a single rotational degree of freedom.
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 easy addition of phase contrast observation capability to existing microscopes, enhancing their functionality without the need for a new purchase, allowing users to perform phase contrast imaging and observation with existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a phase plate used for phase contrast observation is installed on a pupil conjugate plane
Implementation Method 2
phase plates installed on a slider that enables the phase plates to be inserted into/removed from the optical path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to an eyepiece base unit and a microscope with which a phase contrast observation function can be easily added to the microscope. The eyepiece base unit 12 is removably attached to a main unit of the microscope, and includes, in a state of being attached to the microscope, a pupil conjugate plane, which is a plane conjugate with an image side focal plane of an objective lens in an observation optical system of the microscope. By rotating a turret 32 around a central axis 67, phase plates 64a and 64c installed in the turret 32 can be inserted into the pupil conjugate plane. The present invention can be applied to a phase contrast microscope, for example.