Immersion Set for Microscopy with Integrated Pump and Control Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immersion devices for light microscopy are bulky, complex, and hinder other microscope functions, often requiring separate components that can collide with the objective and limit their compatibility with various objectives.
Innovation Solution
An immersion set comprising a compact arrangement of an immersion fluid tank, pump, and control electronics unit fastened directly to the immersion objective or a mounting adapter, enabling precise and automated fluid feeding without obstructing other microscope components, and compatible with a wide range of objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If immersion devices are positioned at a distance from the objective, then space for other microscope functions is available, but tubes extend and impede microscope functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion device components (fluid tank, pump, control electronics) are merged and positioned directly on the objective body, eliminating the need for separate positioning and long tube connections. This integration resolves the contradiction by providing both compact space utilization and direct, unobstructed fluid delivery to the objective.
Solution Approach 2:
The immersion device components are nested within or on the objective structure itself, with the fluid tank, pump, and electronics unit integrated into the objective's form factor. This nesting approach allows the immersion system to occupy minimal additional space while maintaining full functionality without impeding other microscope components.
2Area of stationary object
If immersion devices are compact, then other microscope functions are not hindered, but precise and automated fluid feeding must be achieved in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The pump and control electronics are integrated directly with the fluid tank and objective mounting structure, creating a compact assembly that maintains precise fluid control. The direct coupling of the pump to the objective ensures accurate fluid delivery positioning while keeping the overall device footprint minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The control electronics unit is integrated into the immersion device assembly, enabling automated control of the pump and fluid delivery without requiring external control systems. This self-contained design achieves precise fluid feeding in a compact form factor by incorporating all control functions within the immersion device itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If immersion devices use separate components, then functionality is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid tank, pump, control electronics, and mounting mechanism are merged into a single integrated immersion device unit that attaches to the objective. This consolidation maintains all necessary immersion functionalities while dramatically reducing system complexity and bulk compared to separate component arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The immersion device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different objective types and microscope configurations. The integrated design provides multiple functions (fluid storage, pumping, control, and mounting) in a single versatile unit, reducing the need for multiple separate components.
4Measurement precision
If immersion caps are specially fitted to certain objective types, then precise fluid delivery is achieved, but compatibility with other objectives is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion device incorporates a universal mounting mechanism that can be adapted to different objective types while maintaining precise fluid delivery positioning. The device's modular design allows it to interface with various objective configurations without sacrificing the precision of fluid application to the objective front lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism includes adjustable and adaptable features that can be configured for different objective types. The device can dynamically adjust its positioning and connection method to accommodate various objective form factors while maintaining precise fluid delivery alignment.
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
The solution provides a compact, user-friendly, and versatile immersion system that enhances the functionality of existing objectives with precise fluid control, reducing manual errors and minimizing interference with other microscope components, suitable for long-term experiments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump fluidly connected to the immersion fluid tank
Data Source
AI summary
An immersion set for retrofitting an immersion objective comprises at least one immersion fluid tank, at least one pump fluidly connected to the immersion fluid tank, and a control electronics unit configured at least to control the pump. A fastening device is configured to realize the load-bearing fastening of the at least one immersion fluid tank, the at least one pump and the control electronics unit on the immersion objective or on a mounting adapter for the immersion objective.