Microscope Objective Attachment for Immersion Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope objective attachments for immersion liquids are complex to apply and remove, especially on inverted microscopes, and require significant installation space, often restricting access to the sample and requiring expert knowledge.
Innovation Solution
An objective attachment with a fastening device comprising two arms that engage laterally around the microscope objective housing in a force-fitting manner, along with a cannula system for feeding and removing immersion liquid, including a storage container, pump, and flow sensors for precise liquid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the objective attachment is slipped over the microscope objective from the front side, then the attachment can be applied to the microscope objective, but it becomes complex to remove or install the attachment and requires considerable installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is applied to the microscope objective from the rear side instead of the front side, reversing the conventional approach. This allows the attachment to be slipped over the objective housing without interfering with the front lens or sample, making both application and removal straightforward while minimizing installation space requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If the objective attachment is slipped over the microscope objective from the front side, then the attachment can be applied to the microscope objective, but considerable installation space is required upstream of the microscope objective
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment is applied from the rear side of the microscope objective, reversing the conventional front-side approach. This repositioning allows the attachment components to be located behind the objective lens, eliminating the need for considerable installation space upstream of the microscope and preserving the working distance to the sample
3Ease of operation
If manual application of immersion liquid is used, then the immersion liquid can be applied to the microscope objective, but the microscope objective must be accessed directly which is difficult on inverted stands and boxed systems
Solution Approach 1:
A pump system connected via tubing serves as an intermediary to deliver immersion liquid from a remote reservoir to the microscope objective. This eliminates the need for direct manual application at the objective, allowing immersion liquid supply even when the objective is inaccessible on inverted stands or boxed systems
4Extent of automation
If autoimmersion modules are added to microscopes, then automated immersion liquid application is achieved, but the installation size and space restrict the free working distance and access to the sample
Solution Approach 1:
A pump system with tubing acts as an intermediary to deliver immersion liquid from a remote reservoir to the objective, eliminating the need for large automated immersion modules mounted near the objective. This preserves the free working distance and access to the sample while achieving automated immersion liquid application
Solution Approach 2:
The immersion liquid reservoir is extracted from the immediate vicinity of the microscope objective and placed in a separate, remote location. Only the necessary delivery components (tubing and pump) remain near the objective, minimizing space occupation and preserving working distance while maintaining automated delivery capability
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 straightforward mounting and removal of the attachment without affecting the sample position, reduces installation space requirements, and allows precise and efficient handling of immersion liquids with minimal disruption to the microscope's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a pump for pumping the immersion liquid in the line is present
Data Source
AI summary
An objective attachment for a microscope objective for transporting an immersion liquid between a target region on a front side of the microscope objective and a line, comprising at least one cannula having a spout for dispensing and/or receiving the immersion liquid and having a distal opening, to which the line for the immersion liquid can be connected, and comprising a fastening device for holding the cannula on a housing of the microscope objective and for positioning the spout relative to the target region is described. The fastening device comprises at least two arms, which are configured to at least partially laterally engage around the housing of the microscope objective and to hold on the housing in a force-fitting manner. An apparatus for feeding immersion liquid to a target region on a front region of a microscope objective and/or for removing immersion liquid from the target region also is described.