Microscope Objective Collision Protection via Elastic Tensioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microscope collision protection systems are not universally applicable and often require specific sample holders or configurations, limiting their effectiveness in preventing collisions between the objective and the sample during field view shifts or focusing.

Innovation Solution

A collision protection apparatus featuring a receptacle and a slide-in part with a tensioning unit and displacement sensors that detect relative movements between the two, allowing for universal collision detection and prevention by bracing the objective against the receptacle, enabling lateral and axial movement without play, and automatically repositioning the objective post-collision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing collision protection systems are used, then collision detection capability is provided, but universality is limited due to requirement for specific sample holders or configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveuniversalityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting apparatus is designed with a standardized receptacle and slide-in part interface that can be universally applied across different microscope configurations and sample holders. The tensioning unit and displacement sensor system provides collision detection functionality without requiring sample-specific adaptations, making the system universally applicable while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the objective is firmly fixed in the receptacle, then positioning stability is improved, but collision damage risk increases due to inability to absorb impact forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidcollision damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning unit pre-tensions the connection between the slide-in part and receptacle, creating a controlled elastic connection that can absorb collision forces. This cushioning effect allows the objective to be firmly positioned during normal operation while protecting against damage during collisions by allowing controlled movement and force absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastically compliant through the tensioning unit. This allows the connection to maintain stability under normal conditions while providing flexibility to absorb impact forces during collisions, thereby reducing damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If play is eliminated between slide-in part and receptacle, then positioning precision is improved, but collision force transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidcollision force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning unit modifies the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastically compliant. This allows the system to maintain positioning precision by eliminating play while simultaneously reducing collision force transmission through the elastic cushioning effect of the pre-tensioned connection.

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

This solution provides precise and universal collision detection and prevention, avoiding hard crashes by allowing deflection and automatic return to the optical axis, thus protecting both the objective and the sample from damage.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning unit for bracing the slide-in part with respect to the receptacle in the locked position to eliminate the play

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first displacement sensor detects the relative displacement on the basis of a change in a tension state of the tensioning unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive Effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230116753A1Collision protection for a microscope

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

AI summary

An apparatus for mounting an objective to a microscope structural member, and a method for operating a microscope. The apparatus for mounting an objective to a microscope structural member includes a receptacle, which is mounted or mountable to the microscope structural member, a slide-in part, which is mounted or mountable to the objective and is insertable into the receptacle where it can be brought into a locked position in which there is play between the slide-in part and the receptacle, and a tensioning unit, which, in the locked position, braces the slide-in part and the receptacle against each other in order to eliminate the play. The apparatus furthermore includes a first collision detection device, which has at least one first displacement sensor for detecting a displacement of the slide-in part and/or of the objective, in each case relative to the receptacle.