Microscope Liquid Supply Device with Dual Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes face challenges in accurately adjusting the amount of liquid between the objective lens and the specimen during liquid immersion observation, as the clearance varies with different objective lenses, leading to inconsistent liquid supply and potential interference with the optical path.
Innovation Solution
A liquid supplier system with a supply port and a recovery port, positioned differently along the optical axis and perpendicular to it, allows for precise control of liquid volume between the objective lens and the specimen, using a nozzle unit and an inserter/remover mechanism to manage the liquid flow and prevent interference with the optical path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid is supplied to fill the space between the objective lens and cover glass, then observation quality improves, but liquid amount control becomes difficult due to varying clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of liquid supply by using a recovery port positioned above the supply port to dynamically control the liquid amount. The recovery port creates a liquid level reference that automatically regulates the quantity of liquid between the objective lens and cover glass, adapting to different clearances without manual adjustment.
2Quantity of substance
If supply port and recovery port are positioned differently, then liquid level control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle unit serves multiple functions: it contains both the supply port and recovery port, and can be inserted and removed as a single assembly. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining precise liquid level control through the strategically positioned dual ports.
3Reliability
If liquid supply is increased to accommodate larger clearance, then liquid immersion observation improves, but optical path interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery port positioned above the supply port creates a feedback mechanism for liquid level control. When liquid reaches the recovery port level, it begins to drain back, automatically maintaining the optimal liquid level that fills the clearance space without overflowing and causing optical path interference.
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 accurate and efficient liquid management, ensuring a consistent liquid level on the objective lens, reducing interference and allowing for precise observation, with adjustable liquid supply and recovery rates to accommodate varying objective lens configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a supply port (31a) which supplies the liquid to the light path (LP) between the objective lens (12) and the observation object
Implementation Method 2
ensuring a consistent liquid level on the objective lens, reducing interference
Implementation Method 3
a recovery port (32a) which recovers the liquid from the light path (LP) above the position at which the liquid is supplied to the light path (LP)
Implementation Method 4
with adjustable liquid supply and recovery rates to accommodate varying objective lens configurations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
AI summary
[Problem] To enable accurate adjustment of an amount of a liquid when the liquid is held in a space between an observation object and an objective lens. [Means to Solve Problem] A liquid supplier comprises: a supply port which supplies a liquid to a space between an objective lens and an observation object; and a recovery port which recovers the liquid supplied from the supply port, wherein the supply port and the recovery port satisfy a condition where positions of the supply port and the recovery port differ from each other in a direction of an optical axis of the objective lens or a condition where positions of the supply port and the recovery port with respect to the optical axis differ from each other in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective lens or both conditions.