Microscope Illuminating Device Pivot System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminating devices for microscopes require large installation spaces and suffer from high wear due to complex designs and long electrical feed line movements, especially when changing wavelengths for fluorescence microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A compact illuminating device with a pivot system that allows selective positioning of lighting units, utilizing a holder that rotates about a pivot axis less than 360°, minimizing installation space and eliminating the need for sliding contacts, with a detection module to ensure safe operation and a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable wheel with LED lighting units is used to change wavelengths, then wavelength selection is enabled, but sliding contacts are required for electrical supply which increase wear and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the sliding contact mechanism from the system. Instead of using sliding contacts to supply electricity to rotating LEDs, the invention uses a mirror cascade that rotates beneath fixed LEDs, thereby removing the harmful electrical contact component while preserving wavelength selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the LEDs themselves (which would require sliding contacts), the patent inverts the approach by keeping the LEDs fixed and rotating the mirror cascade beneath them. This inversion allows wavelength selection without requiring electrical contacts on moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If LEDs are arranged laterally movable to enable wavelength change, then wavelength selection is possible, but the installation space increases and feed lines experience high wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of movement from lateral (horizontal) displacement of LEDs to vertical rotation of the mirror cascade. This dimensional change allows wavelength selection without requiring large lateral installation space, as the mirror cascade rotates in a compact vertical arrangement beneath the fixed LEDs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror cascade is rotatable beneath fixed LEDs, then wavelength selection is enabled, but the device becomes elaborate and requires large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror cascade serves multiple functions: it selects wavelengths by rotating to different positions, it directs light from fixed LEDs to the microscope, and it provides a compact structure that reduces overall installation space. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing structural complexity despite the rotating mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the holder is rotated 360° to position lighting units, then all positions are accessible, but the installation space and feed line movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the rotation of the holder to only the necessary angular range required to position lighting units in the illuminating target position, rather than allowing full 360° rotation. This partial rotation reduces both the installation space required and the movement of feed lines, while still achieving complete functionality for wavelength selection.
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
The solution provides a durable, compact, and flexible illuminating system that reduces wear and energy consumption, ensuring precise and reproducible positioning of lighting units while maintaining safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot system can be formed and arranged such that gravity is used as restoring force or as additional restoring force
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminating device for a microscope may include a holder which carries a plurality of lighting units to be positioned in an illuminating target position. It may also include a pivot system with which the holder can be rotated about a pivot axis such that each lighting unit can be positioned selectively in the illuminating target position, wherein the rotational range of the holder about the pivot axis is less than 360°.