Microscope Balancing Device Using Electrical Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope balancing devices require expensive and susceptible capacitive sensors, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs due to the need for multiple sensors to achieve precise balancing.
Innovation Solution
A balancing device with a rotatable balancing weight and lever, utilizing a stopper element and electrical potential differences to indicate the balancing point, eliminating the need for capacitive sensors by using a control unit to set and observe electrical potentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors are used to precisely determine lever position for balancing, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing costs and maintenance costs increase due to the expensive and susceptible nature of capacitive sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of capacitive sensors (detecting lever position) and implements it through a simpler mechanical-electrical contact system using stopper elements. The stopper elements make direct electrical contact with the lever at extreme positions, eliminating the need for expensive capacitive sensors while maintaining the ability to detect balancing states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and susceptible capacitive sensors with inexpensive electrical contact elements (stopper elements). These stopper elements are simple conductive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing both initial manufacturing costs and long-term maintenance expenses.
2Measurement precision
If multiple capacitive sensors are used for balancing at multiple rotation axes, then balancing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the large number of required sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal balancing mechanism where stopper elements serve multiple functions: they define the extreme positions of the lever, provide electrical contact for detection, and indicate balancing status. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate capacitive sensors at each rotation axis, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining balancing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever itself serves as both the mechanical indicator and the electrical contact element. When the lever reaches extreme positions, it automatically makes electrical contact with the stopper elements, providing self-service detection without requiring external sensors. This reduces the number of components needed at each rotation axis.
3Extent of automation
If capacitive sensors are used to detect lever position, then automation capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to the susceptibility of capacitive sensors to damages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent protects the electrical contact system by designing stopper elements that are mechanically robust and positioned to receive the lever contact in a controlled manner. The stopper elements act as cushioning components that can withstand repeated mechanical contacts without damage, ensuring long-term reliability of the automated detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, replaceable stopper elements instead of fragile capacitive sensors. These stopper elements are designed to be durable and resistant to damage from mechanical contact. If they do wear out, they can be easily replaced without affecting other components, thereby maintaining high system reliability and automated operation.
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 solution reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for capacitive sensors, simplifies the setup procedure, and allows for precise balancing of microscopes at multiple rotation axes without the requirement for complex sensor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the stopper element and the lever are in electrical contact when the lever is arranged at the at least one end point of the range
Implementation Method 2
an electrical potential of the lever is set to a predetermined first potential value... An electrical potential of the stopper element is set to a predetermined second potential value different from the first potential value
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a balancing device (14) for balancing a microscope (12) with respect to a rotation axis (1000), the balancing device (14) comprising a balancing weight (16) arranged around and assigned to the rotation axis (1000), such that the balancing weight (16) is rotatable around the rotation axis (1000), wherein a center of mass of the balancing weight (16) is arranged apart from the rotation axis (1000). The balancing device (14) further comprises a lever (18) for indicating a torque acting on the balancing device (14) and/or on the balancing weight (16), wherein the lever (18) is arranged around and assigned to the rotation axis (1000) to be rotatable around the rotation axis (1000), wherein the lever (18) extends within the balancing weight (16) and is movable by the torque within a predetermined range with respect to the balancing weight (16), and wherein an electrical potential of the lever (18) is set to a predetermined first potential value. Furthermore, the balancing device (14) comprises at least one stopper element (32), which is immobile with respect to the balancing weight (16) and forms at least one end point of the range of the lever (18), wherein the stopper element (32) and the lever (18) are in electrical contact when the lever (18) is arranged at the at least one end point of the range and wherein the lever (18) and the stopper element (32) are electrically isolated from each other when the lever (18) is apart from the at least one end point. In addition, the balancing device comprises control means configured to set an electrical potential of the stopper element (32) to a predetermined second potential value different from the first potential value at least when the lever (18) is apart from the at least one end point, to observe the electrical potential of the stopper element (32) and/or of the lever (18) and to indicate the lever (18) being arranged at the first end point when the electrical potential of the stopper element (32) departs from the predetermined second potential value and/or when the electrical potential of the lever (18) departs from the predetermined first potential value. The invention further relates to a stand (10) for a microscope (12) and to a method for balancing a microscope (12).