Infinity Objective Resilient Mounting for Microscope Autofocus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microscopes, particularly those using infinity lenses, non-planar object support surfaces require frequent refocusing when moving samples, making the microscopy process lengthy and inefficient, especially when dealing with microtiter plates with multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
The microscope design incorporates an infinity objective carrier with a resilient mounting system and a focusing aid device that maintains a fixed axial distance between the focusing aid contact surface and the object support surface, allowing the infinity objective to move relative to the object carrier while maintaining consistent focus, even on non-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a focusing aid device with sliding contact is used to maintain fixed axial distance, then focus stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a focusing aid device as an intermediary component between the infinity objective and the object carrier. This device includes a contact surface that滑动接触 (sliding contact) with the object carrier, maintaining a fixed axial distance from the infinity objective lens. The intermediary structure transfers the positioning function from direct mechanical coupling to a controlled sliding contact interface, resolving the contradiction by providing focus stability through the fixed axial distance while managing complexity through the specialized but localized design of the focusing aid mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the infinity objective is resiliently mounted to allow relative movement, then focusing capability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a resilient mounting system for the infinity objective that allows dynamic adjustment along the optical axis while maintaining stable positioning. The mounting provides controlled flexibility enabling the objective to move relative to the object carrier for focusing purposes, yet returns to and maintains a precise reference position. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by allowing the necessary movement for focusing while ensuring positioning precision through the elastic recovery and controlled mechanical properties of the resilient mounting elements.
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
This design reduces the need for frequent refocusing by ensuring the axial position of the infinity lens remains constant relative to the object stage, even when the object stage is moved orthogonally to the optical axis, thereby simplifying the process of observing multiple samples on non-planar surfaces without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring arrangement (40) which is provided between the housing (36) and the infinity lens (16), and a second spring arrangement (52) which is separate from the first spring arrangement (40) and is provided between the housing (36) and the infinity lens (16)
Implementation Method 2
The sum of the axial forces of the spring forces of the first and second spring arrangements (40, 52) essentially counterbalances the weight of the infinity lens (16)
Implementation Method 3
a linear drive (62) for displacing the infinity lens (16) along its optical axis (OA)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a microscope with a slide (14) which has an object support surface (14a1) for placing objects (20) to be viewed on it or for positioning them against it, and with an infinity objective (16) which has an optical objective axis (OA) and a finite focal length on the object side, for viewing a viewing area (22) selected or selectable by means of focusing, which is parallel to the object support surface (14a1) and is located at the same distance from the infinity objective (16) as or at a greater distance than the object support surface (14a1), characterized in that the slide (14) has a focusing aid contact surface (74) which is substantially parallel to the object support surface (14a1), wherein the microscope (10) further has a focusing aid device (70) with a slide contact surface (72),which - with respect to the optical axis (OA) - is provided at a fixed axial distance from a lens of the infinity objective (16) nearest to the specimen carrier (14) and which is designed for sliding engagement with the focusing aid contact surface (74).