Microscope Lens Mounting with Sliding Base and Independent Plate Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for microscope objectives and sensors face limitations in the number of lenses that can be accommodated due to mechanical constraints and lack independent adjustment capabilities, often requiring common accessories that remain attached during lens changes.

Innovation Solution

A support system featuring a frame with a sliding base and aligned systems, where each system is mounted on a plate that can be oriented independently using a spherical bearing face and conical housing, with adjustable screws and optional motorization for precise positioning, allowing for independent adjustment and accessory association with each lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a rotating lens holder is used to accommodate multiple lenses, then the number of objectives is limited for mechanical reasons and for reasons of size, but the structure remains compact and simple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of lensesVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens holder is divided into multiple independent slots, each capable of holding a lens individually. This segmentation allows multiple lenses to be accommodated in a linear arrangement rather than requiring a rotating mechanism, thereby increasing capacity while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a rotational arrangement (single plane rotation) to a linear arrangement along the optical axis. By positioning lenses at different distances from the objective along the longitudinal direction, the system accommodates more lenses without increasing lateral complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If a mechanical adjustment is provided on a rotating lens holder, then adjustment can be made, but all lenses move as a single block and independent adjustment of each lens is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidindependent lens adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented so that each lens can be adjusted independently through individual screws or adjustment elements associated with each lens slot. This allows precise positioning of each lens while maintaining the ability to adjust them separately rather than as a unified block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable elements that allow dynamic modification of each lens position independently. The adjustment screws enable individual lenses to be positioned precisely along the optical axis while other lenses remain fixed, providing adaptability without requiring movement of the entire lens holder assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If an accessory such as a filter or lens is mounted between the observation means and the lens holder, then the accessory can be associated with a single lens, but the accessory remains present when changing lens and requires special manipulation to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory associationVSAvoidaccessory removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory mounting system is segmented to match the lens slot configuration. Each lens slot has its own dedicated accessory mounting position, allowing accessories to be attached to specific lenses. When a lens is removed, its associated accessory is automatically removed with it, eliminating the need for separate manipulation to remove accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory is automatically removed when the lens is changed, without requiring separate manual intervention. The accessory is mechanically coupled to the lens or lens holder in such a way that lens removal automatically detaches the accessory, making the system self-servicing regarding accessory management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2813876B1Mounting intended in particular for systems such as lenses for microscopes and/or sensors
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 SYSMECA INGIE
  • EP2813876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2813876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2813876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Such a support comprises a base (4) on which at least two systems are mounted. The systems are mounted aligned along a longitudinal direction (8). The base (4) is mounted to slide along this longitudinal direction (8) relative to a frame (6). At least one system is mounted on the base by means of a plate (18) that can be oriented relative to the base (4).