Microscope Objective Mechanical Testing Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing materials at microscopic scales require separate instruments for optical observation and mechanical testing, leading to inaccurate property determination due to sample relaxation and the need for post-situ examination.
Innovation Solution
A microscope assembly with an objective turret housing both optical instruments for observation and a mechanical testing module for deformation-based testing, allowing for in-situ, quantitative determination of mechanical properties at macro, micron, or nano scales without subsequent optical examination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate instruments are used for optical observation and mechanical testing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sample relaxation between testing and examination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical observation and mechanical testing functions into a single integrated microscope assembly. The objective turret houses both optical instruments for observation and a mechanical testing module with probe, enabling simultaneous in-situ testing and observation without sample transfer or relaxation, thereby maintaining measurement precision while accepting increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The microscope assembly is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs both optical observation and mechanical property testing through a single integrated system. The objective turret can accommodate different objective lenses for optical examination and a mechanical testing module for deformation-based testing, allowing one instrument to fulfill multiple functions that previously required separate devices
2Ease of operation
If separate instruments are used for optical observation and mechanical testing, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to post-situ examination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of optical observation and mechanical testing in a single microscope assembly eliminates the need for post-situ examination. The mechanical testing module performs deformation-based testing at the same location observed optically, and results are immediately available without requiring sample transfer or subsequent optical examination, thereby significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical observation function is used to identify and locate the precise test location on the sample before mechanical testing begins. This preliminary optical examination ensures accurate positioning of the mechanical probe, eliminating the need for post-testing optical examination to locate or assess the test site, thus streamlining the overall process
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An objective testing module includes a module base configured for coupling with an objective turret of a microscope. The objective testing module includes a mechanical testing assembly. The mechanical testing assembly is configured to mechanically test a sample at macro scale or less, and quantitatively determine one or more properties of the sample based on the mechanical testing. The mechanical testing assembly optionally includes a probe and one or more transducers coupled with the probe. The transducer measures one or more of force applied to a sample by the probe or displacement of the probe within the sample. In operation, an optical instrument locates a test location on a sample and the objective testing module mechanically tests at the test location with the mechanical testing assembly at a macro scale or less. The mechanical testing assembly further determines one or more properties of the sample according to the mechanical test.