Inverted Microscope Filter Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inverted microscopes lack the ability to efficiently switch between wavelengths and magnifications of observation images, limiting their versatility in observing specimens from underneath.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an objective lens holding unit, a tube lens for focusing, a branching unit for optical path division, and an observation image switching device that can be removably positioned between the objective lens and tube lens to switch wavelengths or magnifications of the observation image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple excitation filters and absorption filters are provided according to wavelengths and switched according to combinations, then wavelength switching capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple excitation filters and absorption filters into a single integrated filter holder that can accommodate both types of filters. This merging reduces the number of separate switching mechanisms needed while maintaining the ability to switch between different wavelengths for both excitation and observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder is designed with universal functionality to hold both excitation filters and absorption filters, allowing a single component to serve multiple purposes in wavelength selection. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while preserving wavelength switching capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filters are switched according to combinations of extracted wavelengths, then observation versatility is improved, but switching operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the current filter configurations and automatically coordinates switching operations between excitation and absorption filters based on pre-programmed wavelength combinations. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by handling the complexity of coordinate switching automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures filter combinations for different observation wavelengths, allowing the control unit to automatically select and switch filters based on the desired observation parameters. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual coordination of multiple filter switches.
3Device complexity
If an integrated filter holder is used to hold both excitation and absorption filters, then device complexity is reduced, but filter accessibility and switching speed may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated filter holder is segmented into distinct compartments for excitation filters and absorption filters, with independent access mechanisms for each type of filter. This segmentation maintains organizational simplicity while preserving fast switching capability through independent access paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow rapid selection and switching of filters. The system can dynamically adjust filter positions and switching sequences to optimize both accessibility and switching speed while maintaining the integrated structure.
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 configuration allows for stable and versatile specimen observation by enabling quick switching between wavelengths and magnifications, enhancing the microscope's capability to observe specimens from underneath with improved image quality and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens that collects observation light from a specimen and transmits the collected light
Implementation Method 2
a tube lens that focuses the observation light collected by the objective lens
Implementation Method 3
an absorption filter that absorbs light of a specified wavelength and extracts observation light
Implementation Method 4
an excitation filter that extracts light of a specified wavelength from incident illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted microscope that allows observation of a specimen from underneath includes an objective lens holding unit that holds an objective lens configured to collect at least observation light from the specimen, a tube lens configured to focus the observation light collected by the objective lens, a branching unit configured to branch an optical path of the observation light from the tube lens, and an observation image switching device that is removably provided in a microscope main body between the objective lens and the tube lens and is configured to switch between wavelengths of an observation image or between magnifications of the observation image.