Microscope Illumination Adjusting Device Barrel Set Screw Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional microscope illumination adjusting devices require a large space and high-cost attachment faces due to their rack structure, making them complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A simpler adjusting device using a first and second barrel component with set screws providing friction and resiliency, allowing the illumination component to be secured and adjusted without the need for gear and rack parts, reducing space requirements and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a rack structure is used for adjusting the illumination component, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the space occupied increases and the attachment face requirements become more stringent, resulting in higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the rack structure from the adjusting device, replacing it with a simpler barrel component system. By removing the unnecessary rack mechanism, the device achieves the same illumination adjustment function with significantly reduced space occupation and lower manufacturing cost, while maintaining the essential adjustment capability through direct barrel component interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive set screws instead of precision rack and pinion mechanisms. The set screws are simple, easy to manufacture, and can be replaced if needed. This substitution dramatically reduces the cost of the adjusting device while maintaining adequate adjustment functionality for microscope illumination.
2Ease of operation
If a rack structure is used for adjusting the illumination component, then the adjustment function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex rack structure from the adjusting device, retaining only the essential barrel components and set screws needed for illumination adjustment. This extraction simplifies the overall device structure while preserving the core adjustment functionality, making the device easier to operate and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rack structure to enable movement, the patent inverts the approach by using set screws pressing against the second barrel component to directly control the illumination component's position. This inversion simplifies the mechanism by eliminating the intermediate rack transmission elements.
3Reliability
If set screws with friction and resiliency are used, then the second barrel component can be held at rest and slide when force is applied, but the material selection becomes more restrictive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the set screw contact surfaces to achieve the desired friction and resiliency characteristics. By selecting materials with appropriate coefficients of friction and elastic properties, the system enables the second barrel component to be reliably held at rest yet slide smoothly when external force is applied, without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 eliminates the need for complex rack structures, reduces space and cost, and integrates support and adjustment functions, while minimizing the risk of scratching with the use of nylon set screws.
Implementation Method 1
a friction force between the second end of each of the plurality of set screws and the second barrel component is such that the second barrel component held at rest relative to the second barrel component
Implementation Method 2
the second end of each set screw is made of material which provides friction and has resiliency
Data Source
AI summary
An adjusting device for an illumination component of a microscope, an illumination device and a microscope containing the adjusting device are disclosed. The adjusting device for an illumination component of a microscope includes a first barrel component having an axis; a second barrel component received in the first barrel component, the second barrel component having an axis coincident with or parallel to the axis of the first barrel component, wherein the second barrel component houses and supports the illumination component; and a plurality of set screws each having a first end coupled to a side wall of the first barrel component at a corresponding coupling point and a second end pressed against a side wall of the second barrel component. With embodiments of the present invention, the structure is simpler and the cost is lower.