Immersion Objective with Integrated Fluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion systems for microscopy are limited by their complexity, size, and the risk of air bubbles, which hinder precise and automated fluid delivery, often requiring manual intervention and compromising microscope functionality.
Innovation Solution
An integrated immersion objective with a detachable immersion fluid tank, pump, and control electronics, allowing for compact, automated, and precise fluid management directly on the microscope objective, reducing the risk of air bubbles and collisions with other microscope components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If immersion fluid tubes are fixed to the immersion objective from separate tanks with pumps, then automated immersion fluid delivery is achieved, but the overall system becomes large and tubes may hinder handling and collide with other microscope components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the immersion objective with integrated fluid management components including a fluid reservoir, pump, and control electronics into a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate tanks and external pumps, reducing system complexity and the risk of tube collisions while maintaining automated fluid delivery functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The immersion objective is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs optical imaging and automated fluid management. The integrated design allows the single device to serve multiple purposes: objective lens function, fluid storage, fluid pumping, and control, thereby eliminating the need for separate specialized components
2Extent of automation
If separate immersion devices with tanks and pumps are used, then automated fluid management is possible, but flexible handling of the microscope is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the fluid reservoir, pump, and control electronics directly into the immersion objective, the patent creates a compact unit that moves with the objective. This eliminates the need for separate immersion devices that limit microscope handling flexibility, allowing the microscope to be operated more freely without cumbersome external attachments
3Extent of automation
If immersion devices are positioned outside the objective, then automated fluid delivery is achieved, but the design becomes less compact and may interfere with other microscope components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all fluid management components (reservoir, pump, electronics) into the immersion objective itself, creating a compact integrated unit. This eliminates the need for external immersion devices positioned away from the objective, significantly reducing the overall system volume and preventing interference with other microscope components
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid reservoir and pump are nested within or integrated into the immersion objective structure. The reservoir is positioned within the objective housing, and the pump is integrated into the same compact space, allowing multiple components to occupy the same physical envelope as a single unit
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 efficient, automated, and precise immersion fluid delivery without obstructing other microscope functions, improving handling and reducing the need for separate immersion devices, thus enhancing the flexibility and reliability of microscopy operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump, which is supported via the objective body, wherein the pump is arranged for the conveyance of immersion fluid from the immersion fluid tank to an objective front side
Data Source
AI summary
An immersion objective comprises an objective body in which optical components are accommodated, at least one immersion fluid tank and at least one objective-body coupling connection on the objective body. The immersion fluid tank can be supported in a detachable manner via the objective-body coupling connection. At least one pump is supported via the objective body, wherein the pump is arranged in order to convey immersion fluid from the immersion fluid tank to an objective front side. A control electronics component is supported via the objective body and is configured to control the at least one pump.