Microscope Focus Knob Switching Between Stage Movement and Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes require additional external control devices and operators must frequently look away from the eyepiece to adjust stage positions and operate multiple buttons and keys, leading to inconvenient and inefficient control of various functions, especially in stand-alone modes.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design that integrates x and y motors for horizontal and vertical stage movement, controlled by a single knob with a rotary encoder and buttons, allowing seamless switching between focusing and stage movement operations without needing to look away from the eyepiece, and enabling control of other microscope elements like the objective lens and OSD system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional external control devices (joystick, touch pad) are added to control stage movement and microscope functions, then the functionality and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and operation convenience deteriorate because operators must frequently look away from the eyepiece to operate these devices
Solution Approach 1:
The focus knob is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control vertical stage movement for focusing, horizontal stage movement for positioning, and objective lens selection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control devices, allowing operators to control all microscope functions while maintaining observation through the eyepiece, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and operation convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple control devices (focus knob, joystick, objective selector) into a single integrated focus knob assembly. The horizontal movement control and objective selection capabilities are merged with the vertical focusing function, creating a unified control interface that reduces device complexity and allows continuous observation without diverting attention to separate control devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple buttons and keys are added to provide more microscope functions, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it becomes difficult for users to remember button positions and layouts
Solution Approach 1:
The focus knob is designed as a universal control device that can switch between multiple functions (vertical movement, horizontal movement, objective selection) based on the operational mode. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated buttons and keys, reducing the cognitive load on operators while maintaining full microscope functionality through a single ergonomic control interface
3Device complexity
If a PC or touch pad is used to integrate multiple buttons and keys for microscope control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators must shift their eyes away from the eyepiece to the screen for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functions from external devices (PC, touch pad) and integrates them directly into the microscope's physical structure through the focus knob. This allows all control operations to be performed through tactile manipulation of the knob while maintaining visual observation through the eyepiece, eliminating the need to shift attention to external screens or interfaces
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
Enables continuous observation without diverting attention from the eyepiece, simplifies operation by using existing focus knobs for stage movement, reduces the number of operating devices, and enhances ergonomic control, resulting in a more convenient, precise, and cost-effective microscope operation.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary encoder (6) installed on the focus knob (3), which converts a rotary position of the focus knob (3) into an electric pulse signal
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope, including an x motor, a y motor, and a z axis focusing driving mechanism that drive a stage to move; at least one knob operatively coupled to the x motor or y motor or the z axis focusing driving mechanism selectively via a controller; and at least one button coupled to the controller in communication. The controller is configured to disconnect a normal operative coupling between the knob and the z axis focusing driving mechanism and establish an operative coupling between the knob and the x motor or y motor when receiving a predetermined button signal, and restore the normal operative coupling between the knob and the z axis focusing driving mechanism and disconnect the operative coupling between the knob and the x motor or y motor when no longer receiving the predetermined button signal or when receiving a next button signal.