Integrated Temperature Control for Microscope Objectives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature control solutions for microscope objectives are inefficient, require additional structural components, and limit access to the object space due to external heaters and separate components for each objective diameter, leading to indirect heating and potential lever actions.

Innovation Solution

A temperature-controllable microscope objective with integrated heating or cooling elements, such as resistance heating or Peltier elements, embedded within structural components like mounting rings, allowing direct temperature control without external additions, using materials like carbon fiber for a lightweight design and incorporating temperature sensors for monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If external heater assemblies are attached to objectives for temperature control, then temperature control capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and object space access is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective temperature controlVSAvoidadditional structural components

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature control function is merged with existing objective components by integrating heating elements into the objective mount or positioning rings. This eliminates separate external heater assemblies while achieving the same temperature control function, thereby reducing device complexity and improving object space access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The objective components themselves serve dual purposes: structural support and temperature control. The mounting rings or positioning rings that already exist in the objective structure are modified to include heating capabilities, making the objective self-sufficient for temperature control without requiring external assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If separate heater assemblies are used for each objective diameter, then temperature control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and component quantity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective temperature controlVSAvoidseparate components for each diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A universal heating system is implemented that can accommodate multiple objective diameters. The heating element is designed to be adaptable to different objective sizes through adjustable positioning rings or modular mounting mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heaters for each objective diameter and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If indirect heating through oil ducts is used, then temperature control is achieved, but thermal efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobjective temperature controlVSAvoidthermal efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate heat transfer medium (oil) is removed from the heating system. Instead of using indirect oil-based heating, the invention employs direct heating elements that contact the objective mount or positioning rings directly, eliminating the thermal resistance of the oil layer and significantly improving thermal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical oil circulation system is replaced with an electrical heating system. Heating elements embedded in the objective components provide direct thermal energy transfer without requiring fluid circulation mechanisms, reducing energy loss and simplifying the thermal control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient, direct temperature control of the objective without increasing weight or external dimensions, preventing lever actions and allowing for simultaneous turret loading, while maintaining object space access and efficient temperature regulation.

Implementation Method 1

The temperature-controllable element is constructed, for example, as a resistance heating element for heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

or as a Peltier element. The latter can be used in a known manner for heating and for cooling.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 3

incorporating temperature sensors for monitoring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS7800848B2Temperable lens, especially for microscopes

Publication Date: 2010.09.21 CARL ZEISS MICROSCOPY GMBH

AI summary

The invention is directed to a temperature-controllable objective, particularly for microscopes and other optical equipment, which comprises a main barrel as the main component part of the objective. The main barrel contains at least one correction mount, cylinder sleeves, mounting rings, carrier rings and/or adjusting rings, and imaging optical elements. In order to control the temperature, at least one structural component part of the objective or an element arranged between structural component parts of the objective is constructed as a temperature-controllable element or as a temperature-controllable foil which is connected (not shown) by leads to a device for monitoring temperature. Further, a temperature gauge or temperature sensor is arranged in the objective and is likewise connected to the device for monitoring temperature.