Microscope Magnification Adjustment for Focus-Stable Modality Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopes used in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) face issues with deviation from accurate focus and center of view due to slight differences in parfocal distance and axial misalignment when switching microscopies, leading to prolonged operation times and difficulty in smooth observation.
Innovation Solution
A microscope with a magnification adjustment device that adjusts optical magnification independently of objective switching, using a common objective and multiple optical units to maintain focus and view alignment across different microscopies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If objectives are switched when changing microscopies, then different magnifications and optical characteristics are achieved, but focus deviation and view misalignment occur due to parfocal distance differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnification adjustment function into separate segments: the objective lens provides primary magnification, while an additional magnification lens provides secondary magnification. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling microscopy switching without compromising focus accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnification lens between the objective lens and the imaging plane. This intermediary component mediates the optical path, allowing magnification adjustment without changing objectives, thereby maintaining focus accuracy while enabling microscopy switching.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objectives are switched when changing microscopies, then different optical characteristics are achieved, but axial misalignment occurs leading to view deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment by fixing the objective lens and pre-positioning the magnification lens at the optimal location. This preliminary action eliminates the need for realignment when switching microscopies, reducing operation time and improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to maintain self-alignment through the fixed relative positions of the objective lens and magnification lens. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining proper alignment without requiring user intervention during microscopy switching.
3Measurement precision
If multiple objectives are provided for different microscopies, then specific magnifications are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the objective lens universal by combining it with a variable magnification lens, allowing a single objective to serve multiple magnification requirements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized objectives, reducing device complexity while maintaining magnification precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnification parameter dynamically by adjusting the magnification lens rather than physically switching objectives. This parameter change approach simplifies the device structure by eliminating complex objective switching mechanisms while maintaining precise magnification control.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope used in multiple microscopies includes an objective used in common in the multiple microscopies, and a magnification adjustment device arranged on an image side of the objective and configured to adjust an optical magnification of the microscope in response to switching of the multiple microscopies.