Motorized Coverslip Correction for Microscope Objectives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope objectives require manual adjustment for coverslip thickness correction, which is time-consuming and complex, and motorized systems are difficult to couple precisely with various objectives, leading to challenges in achieving high-accuracy imaging.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven adjusting device is mounted directly on the objective housing, allowing for precise and automated coverslip thickness correction by converting rotational movement into linear movement of the lens unit along the optical axis, simplifying the process and enabling easy objective changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized adjusting device is used for coverslip thickness correction, then automation and precision are improved, but device complexity and coupling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor unit, transmission mechanism, and lens unit adjustment system into a single integrated assembly mounted on the objective housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate motorized components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automated correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting device is designed with a universal mounting interface that can be attached to various objective housing types. The motor unit and transmission system serve multiple functions: automated lens unit adjustment, compensation for different coverslip thicknesses, and adaptability to different objective configurations.
2Extent of automation
If a motorized adjusting device is mounted on the objective turret, then automation is achieved, but coupling precision and structural complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjusting device into a self-contained module mounted on the objective housing rather than the objective turret. This segmentation allows the motor unit to be precisely coupled to the specific objective it serves, improving measurement precision while reducing the complexity of universal coupling mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If manual correction ring adjustment is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor unit is configured to automatically perform the adjustment without requiring manual operation of the correction ring. The system can self-regulate the lens unit position based on detected coverslip thickness, eliminating the time-consuming manual adjustment process while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
4Measurement precision
If precise manual adjustment of correction ring is required, then adjustment accuracy can be achieved, but user skill requirement and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor unit electronically controls the lens unit position, substituting the need for skilled manual manipulation of the correction ring with an automated control mechanism that achieves the same precision without requiring user expertise.
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 a straightforward and precise method for coverslip thickness correction, ensuring high image quality regardless of the coverslip thickness, and allows for easy retrofitting of existing objectives with motorized correction, enhancing user convenience and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission, which converts the rotational movement manually imparted to the correction ring into a corresponding linear movement of the lens unit
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a microscope objective (10, 100, 200) having an objective housing (12) which contains a lens system including a lens unit (60) capable of being moved along the optical axis (O) of the lens system to compensate for the thickness of the coverslip, and further having an adjusting device for adjusting the lens unit (60), said adjusting device including a drive unit (14, 102, 202) and a transmission (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 62) which is drivable by the drive unit (14, 102, 202) and coupled to the lens unit (60). According to the present invention, the drive unit (14, 102, 202) has a motor (34) and is mounted on the objective housing (12).