Microscope Illumination Turret with Interlocking Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face difficulties in easily switching between bright field, dark field, and fluorescence observations due to the need for complex and error-prone adjustments of illumination units, which can result in suboptimal optical performance and safety issues with UV exposure.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design featuring an illumination optical element changer with a turret system, interlocking mechanisms, and a rotation shaft that automatically adjusts aperture stops, field stops, and filter members to optimize illumination conditions for selected observation methods, ensuring proper alignment and removal of UV-blocking filters and diffusers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single illumination unit is used to perform all observation methods (bright field, dark field, fluorescence), then device complexity is reduced, but optical performance deteriorates because the illumination unit cannot be optimized for each specific observation method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional illumination unit that can perform bright field, dark field, and fluorescence observations using a single integrated system. The illumination unit includes a light source, condenser lens, and interchangeable filter cubes that enable different observation methods without requiring separate illumination units for each technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination unit is segmented into functional modules including a light source module, condenser module, filter cube system, and objective lens module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and optical performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-blocking filter and diffuser are added to the optical axis for bright field or dark field observation, then safety and illumination quality improve, but brightness is reduced and fluorescence observation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system employs dynamic configuration where the UV-blocking filter and diffuser can be moved into or out of the optical path depending on the observation method. For fluorescence observation, these elements are retracted to maximize brightness; for bright field and dark field observations, they are inserted to ensure safety and illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter cube system as an intermediary mechanism that selectively positions optical elements in the light path. The filter cubes can be rotated or shifted to bring UV-blocking filters and diffusers into position for certain observations while keeping them out of position for fluorescence observations, thereby mediating between safety requirements and brightness requirements.
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of aperture stop and field stop is required for each observation method, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex and error-prone adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop and field stop are designed to automatically adjust to appropriate settings based on the selected observation method. The system self-regulates these parameters without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation. The automated adjustment is achieved through mechanical linkages or motorized control systems that respond to the selected observation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the selection of observation method triggers automatic adjustment of aperture and field stop settings. The control system monitors the selected mode and automatically configures the optical parameters to optimal values for that specific observation type, eliminating manual adjustment errors while preserving precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If filter cubes are attached to fluorescence illumination unit to enable bright field or dark field observation, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases and optical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination unit is designed as a universal system from the outset that natively supports bright field, dark field, and fluorescence observations through integrated optical paths and interchangeable filter cubes. This eliminates the need to attach external filter cubes to a fluorescence-specific unit, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing overall device complexity.
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 easy and precise switching between observation methods, ensuring optimal illumination conditions and preventing UV exposure, thereby improving observation quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a filter member that is disposed on the optical axis and limits a given ultraviolet wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser for removing unevenness of the light source is put on the optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope according to the present invention includes an illumination element changer capable of selectively inserting any of a bright field illumination element, a dark field illumination element, and a fluorescence illumination element into an optical axis of an objective, a field stop disposed on the optical axis and limiting a visual field of the objective, an aperture stop disposed on the optical axis and limiting a pupil area of the objective, a filter member disposed on the optical axis and limiting a given ultraviolet wavelength range or adjusting a light quantity of illumination light of an illumination light source, a rotation shaft rotating in response to the changing movement of the illumination element changer, and an interlocking mechanism that brings the aperture stop, the field stop and the filter member into respective setting conditions corresponding to the selected illumination element in response to the rotation of the rotation shaft.