Microscope With Parallel Optical Axes And Horizontal Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes face challenges in achieving both sufficient analysis and observation capabilities due to the complexity of mechanical mechanisms required for switching between analysis and observation optical systems, leading to deviations in observation and analysis positions.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design that includes independent observation and analysis optical systems with a horizontal drive mechanism to align relative positions, allowing for simultaneous capturing and analysis on the same point, and a controller to manage both systems, optimizing performance for each application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical mechanism is introduced to switch between analysis and observation optical systems, then both analysis and observation capabilities can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and position deviations occur between observation and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the analysis optical system and observation optical system into a single integrated optical head, eliminating the need for mechanical switching mechanisms. Both optical systems are fixed in their respective positions within the same optical head, allowing the stage to move horizontally to switch between functions without complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical head is designed as a universal component that can perform both analysis and observation functions. By integrating multiple optical systems into one head and using a common stage, the device achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Reliability
If separate analysis and observation optical systems are used, then each system can be optimized for its specific function, but position deviations occur between observation and analysis points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical systems into a single integrated optical head where the relative positions of all optical components are fixed during manufacturing. This ensures that the observation point and analysis point are always aligned since they share the same optical reference frame, eliminating position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical head automatically maintains alignment between observation and analysis functions through its fixed internal structure. The system self-corrects potential misalignment issues by design, as all optical components are pre-positioned relative to each other and move together as a single unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a revolver mechanism is used to switch between objective lenses for analysis and observation, then both functions can be performed, but the mechanical mechanism increases device complexity and complicates optical design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the revolver mechanism by merging both analysis and observation optical systems into a single fixed optical head. The stage moves horizontally to position the sample under different optical systems, replacing the need for rotating lens assemblies with a simpler linear movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical revolver switching mechanism with a horizontal movement system. Instead of rotating objective lenses mechanically, the stage moves horizontally to bring different sample regions under the fixed optical systems, substituting complex rotational mechanics with simpler linear positioning.
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 improves usability by eliminating position deviations, optimizing optical system performance, and enabling easy switching between observation and analysis modes, while maintaining alignment and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a first objective lens that collects light from the observation target placed on the placement stage
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic wave emitter that emits an electromagnetic wave for analyzing the observation target
Implementation Method 3
a second objective lens that collects an electromagnetic wave from the observation target in response to irradiation of the electromagnetic wave
Implementation Method 4
a detector that generates an intensity distribution spectrum which is an intensity distribution for each wavelength of the electromagnetic wave generated in the observation target
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis and observation device includes: an observation optical system including an objective lens that has an observation optical axis and collects light from a sample placed on a placement stage, and a second camera that captures an image of the sample based on the light from the sample received through the objective lens; an electromagnetic wave emitter that emits an electromagnetic wave; a reflective object lens that has an analysis optical axis parallel to the observation optical axis and collects an electromagnetic wave and irradiates the sample with the collected electromagnetic wave, and collects light from the sample, and first and second detectors that generate an intensity distribution spectrum based on the electromagnetic wave collected by the reflective object lens; and a horizontal drive mechanism which moves relative positions of the observation optical system and the analysis optical system with respect to the placement stage along a horizontal direction.