Microscope Micro-Distance Adjustment for 3D Sample Observation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable minimized microscope devices struggle with adjusting the distance between the objective lens and the sample due to fixed focal lengths and sample thickness variations, limiting observation of three-dimensional samples to specific sections, requiring cumbersome sample repositioning or preparation.

Innovation Solution

A micro distance adjusting mechanism with a first and second element, connected by a screw-connecting portion, allows for relative rotation and movement within a 0.1mm to 3.5mm range, enabling quick adjustment of the objective lens position relative to the sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the focal length of the objective lens is fixed and the distance between the objective lens and the sample carrier is fixed, then the microscope device has a simple structure, but it cannot observe three-dimensional samples at different sections or surfaces with varying thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to observe three-dimensional samples at different sectionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the distance between the objective lens and the sample carrier adjustable through a micro distance adjusting mechanism. The first and second elements can relatively move along the optical route, allowing the objective lens to dynamically adjust its position to accommodate different sample thicknesses and sections, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the distance parameter between the objective lens and the sample carrier to be variable rather than fixed. The micro distance adjusting mechanism allows this parameter to change within a specific range (0.1mm to 3.5mm), facilitating observation of three-dimensional samples at different depths and sections while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the portable minimized microscope device maintains constant relative position with the smart communication device, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot adapt to different sample thicknesses or improper sample positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sample thicknessesVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing a micro distance adjusting mechanism that allows the objective lens to dynamically adjust its position relative to the sample carrier. This enables adaptation to different sample thicknesses and improper sample positions without requiring complex repositioning operations, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The micro distance adjusting mechanism enables the microscope device to self-adjust to different sample conditions. The first and second elements can relatively move to automatically accommodate varying sample thicknesses, reducing the need for manual sample repositioning or preparation, thus improving operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Length of moving object

If the micro distance adjusting mechanism allows relative movement between first and second elements, then the distance adjustment range is increased, but the relative rotation range is limited to less than 360 degrees

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance adjustment rangeVSAvoidrotation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements parameter changes by defining specific ranges for the relative movement between the first and second elements. The distance adjustment range is set to 0.1mm to 3.5mm, and the relative rotation range is limited to less than 360 degrees. This parameterization allows for sufficient distance adjustment capability while keeping the rotation mechanism simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 rapid and convenient observation of three-dimensional samples at optimal positions, allowing for easy viewing of different sections or surfaces with varying thicknesses without repositioning.

Implementation Method 1

The first screw-connecting portion is rotatably connected to the second screw-connecting portion, and the first body and the second body are relative movable with a relative rotation range during the micro distance adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4290291B1Micro distance adjusting mechanism and microscope device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 AIDMICS BIOTECH
  • EP4290291B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4290291B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4290291B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A micro distance adjusting mechanism includes a first element having a first body, a second element having a second body, and a connection member. The first body has a first through hole on an optical route, and the second body has a second through hole on the optical route. The objective lens unit is telescoped in the first and second through holes. The first body and the second body are relative-movably connected, and the first and second bodies make a relative movement during the micro distance adjustment. The connection member is connected to the first body or the second body in an axial or radial direction. The relative movement includes a relative displacement and/or a relative rotation, the range of the relative rotation is less than 360 degrees, and the range of the micro distance adjustment is 0.1mm~3.5mm.