Microscope Illumination Changer with Vertical Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transmitted light microscopes face challenges in accommodating a large number of optical elements within a compact stand base, as existing changers require significant vertical space due to their disc-shaped design and horizontal axis of rotation, which limits the number of optical elements that can be efficiently integrated into the illumination beam path.
Innovation Solution
The changer is arranged with optical elements surrounding the deflection element, and the optical elements are positioned upright within the horizontal section of the illumination beam path, allowing for a compact and space-saving design. This configuration optimizes the use of the tripod base's wider dimensions and reduces unwanted reflections by tilting the elements slightly. Additionally, a second changer can be added with a concentric arrangement to further increase the number of optical elements, enhancing the microscope's optical capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a disc-shaped changer with horizontal axis of rotation is used, then multiple optical elements can be provided, but the vertical space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the changer from a horizontal axis of rotation to a vertical axis of rotation. This dimensional change allows the optical elements to be arranged in a plane that is perpendicular to the illumination beam path, transforming the space utilization from vertical extension to horizontal/radial arrangement around the beam path, thereby fitting within the compact stand base.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are arranged concentrically around the illumination beam path, with the beam path passing through the center of the changer. This nested arrangement allows multiple optical elements to be positioned at different radial distances from the beam path, maximizing the number of elements that can be accommodated within the limited horizontal space of the stand base.
2Quantity of substance
If optical elements are arranged horizontally, then more elements fit in the stand base, but unwanted reflections affect imaging properties
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical element is tilted at a specific angle relative to the horizontal plane, creating a local quality difference for each element. This tilt angle is optimized to redirect unwanted reflections away from the imaging path while maintaining the element's optical function, thus eliminating the harmful reflection effect locally at each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful reflections into beneficial directional control of light. By tilting the optical elements, the reflections that would otherwise interfere with imaging are redirected along controlled paths that exit the illumination beam path, transforming a harmful effect into a controlled optical path management solution.
3Quantity of substance
If the stand base is made larger to accommodate more optical elements, then more elements can be integrated, but the microscope becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension for the axis of rotation and arranges optical elements in a concentric pattern around the vertical beam path. This allows the optical elements to be distributed in a three-dimensional space around the beam path rather than requiring a large two-dimensional horizontal area, thereby maintaining a compact stand base footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric arrangement of optical elements around the central beam path creates a nested structure where elements are positioned at different radial distances. This nesting maximizes the utilization of the available horizontal space within the stand base, allowing more elements to be integrated without increasing the overall footprint of the stand base.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a transmitted light microscope having a stand base (3), an object stage (13) arranged above the stand base (3), an observation lens (15) arranged above the object stage, an illumination module (6) which is arranged at least partially inside the stand base (3), has, inside the stand base (3) a deflection element (11) and the illumination beam path of which in the stand base (3) extends horizontally up to the deflection element (11) and is deflected by the latter vertically upwards in the direction of the object stage (13), and having a changer (10; 20) in the stand base (3), which changer can be rotated about a rotational axis (18) and carries a plurality of optical elements (9; 21), wherein the individual optical elements (9, 21) can be selectively inserted into the illumination beam path inside the stand base (3) by rotating the changer (10, 20) about the rotational axis (18), wherein the changer (10, 20) is arranged in the stand base (3) such that the rotational axis (18) of the changer (10, 20) extends vertically.