Microscope Objective Bayonet Attachment with Rotational Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope objective attachment methods are prone to operating errors that can damage the objective, such as incorrect release or tilting, due to inadequate locking mechanisms and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A bayonet-style attachment apparatus with a ring part and receptacle featuring flattened portions and a locking cam system, allowing for secure lateral insertion and rotational locking, along with optional magnetic attraction and drop guards to prevent accidental disengagement and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple attachment mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the attachment is worsened due to inadequate locking mechanisms that allow incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a receptacle with locking cam for securing the objective, a ring part with flattened portions for bayonet-style attachment, and a retaining collar with lateral opening. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cam is pre-positioned on the receptacle to engage with the ring part during the attachment process. The flattened portions are pre-configured to guide the ring part into the correct orientation, ensuring that the locking action occurs automatically as part of the insertion movement, preventing incorrect operation before it can happen
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened due to restricted release movements
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through a two-stage process: first, the ring part is laterally displaced to disengage the locking cam, and second, the objective can then be freely removed. This dynamic approach maintains secure locking during use while enabling easy release when needed
3Ease of operation
If the ring part is designed with flattened portions for lateral insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability is worsened in the pre-locking position due to potential tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cam is pre-positioned to engage with the ring part during the lateral insertion process. As the ring part is pushed into the receptacle, the locking cam automatically engages to prevent tilting and stabilize the objective, ensuring that stability is established as part of the insertion action itself
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
The apparatus ensures secure attachment and prevents incorrect operation by providing a stable locking mechanism that prevents accidental release or tilting, ensuring the microscope objective is safely held in place during use.
Implementation Method 1
In the pre-locking position, this comes to rest between the locking cam and the base. It secures and blocks the ring part against loosening from the mount along the ring axis
Implementation Method 2
at least one pair of magnets is arranged on the holder and the ring part, of which one individual magnet is attached to the holder and the other to the ring part, whereby the individual magnets are arranged in such a way that they pull the ring part and the holder together along the ring axis in the pre-locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for fastening a microscope objective to a microscope component. The apparatus having a receptacle which is fastened to the microscope component and includes an annular base, a retaining collar with a lateral opening, and a ring part, with an eye for attaching the microscope objective and with two retaining flattened portions, and two opposite flattened portions which are set back relative to the retaining flattened portions the ring part configured such that its flattened portions can be pushed through the opening into the retaining collar into a pre-locking position. In the pre-locking position not all retaining flanges engage in the retaining collar, and the ring part can be rotated into a locking position in which all retaining flanges engage in the retaining collar. A securing cam is formed at the edge of the opening and a securing projection is formed at one end of one of the flattenings.