Immersion Objective Lens Liquid Supply Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inverted microscopes with immersion objective lenses require manual liquid supply, which is cumbersome and labor-intensive, especially for microplate sample and time-lapse observations, and can interfere with objective lens exchange and positional adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An observation apparatus with a liquid pouring means that is movable relative to the immersion objective lens and a position control system to automatically adjust the liquid pouring position and the immersion objective lens, allowing for perpendicular liquid supply and easy exchange of objective lenses, while preventing interference with the microscope components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual liquid supply using a pipette is used, then the liquid can be supplied to the immersion objective lens, but it is troublesome and labor-intensive, especially for microplate sample observation and time-lapse observation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of liquid supplyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic liquid supply through a liquid pouring means that automatically positions itself relative to the immersion objective lens. The liquid pouring means includes a liquid pouring section that can move with the stage, allowing the system to serve itself without manual intervention for liquid supply during observations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid pouring means is constructed to be relatively movable with respect to the immersion objective lens, and the liquid pouring section can move together with the stage. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different observation positions and maintain proper liquid supply alignment automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual liquid supply is used, then the liquid can be supplied to the immersion objective lens, but it imposes a load on the viewer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of liquid supplyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic liquid supply system eliminates the need for manual pipetting operations. The liquid pouring means automatically positions and supplies liquid to the immersion objective lens, freeing the viewer from operational tasks and reducing mental load during prolonged observations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If a fixed liquid pouring structure is used, then the liquid can be supplied automatically, but it interferes with objective lens exchange and positional adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of liquid supplyVSAvoidflexibility in lens exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid pouring means is designed to be relatively movable with respect to the immersion objective lens rather than fixed. This dynamic design allows the liquid pouring section to move with the stage and adjust its position automatically, preventing interference with objective lens exchange and positional adjustments while maintaining automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid pouring means is separated from the immersion objective lens as an independent movable component. This segmentation allows the liquid pouring section to move independently with the stage, enabling automatic liquid supply without constraining the objective lens exchange and positional adjustment operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the liquid pouring position is not automatically adjusted, then the structure can be simple, but the liquid pouring position shifts during lens changes affecting observation accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidobservation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The position control means automatically adjusts the relative positions of the liquid pouring section and the immersion objective lens based on the stage position and lens configuration. This feedback mechanism ensures the liquid pouring position remains correct during lens changes and positional adjustments, maintaining observation accuracy without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7852552B2Observation apparatus provided with immersion objective lens

Publication Date: 2010.12.14 EVIDENT CORP

AI summary

An observation apparatus for observing an observation object mounted at an observation position on a stage through an immersion objective lens placed below the observation object. The observation apparatus has a liquid pouring device, constructed to be relatively movable with respect to the immersion objective lens, pouring a liquid on a top lens surface of the immersion objective lens from the upper side of the immersion objective lens at a distance from the observation position on the stage; and a position control device automatically adjusting relative positions of a liquid pouring position of the liquid pouring device and the immersion objective lens and automatically adjusting relative positions of the immersion objective lens on which the liquid is poured by the liquid pouring device and a desired observation position on the stage.