Microscope Optical Component Changer for Precise Beam-Path Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interchangeable devices for optical components in microscopes lack precise positioning and efficient handling, leading to increased processing effort and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A changing device with a carrier system using magnets and spring elements ensures that optical components are precisely positioned in the beam path by aligning support and positioning surfaces in the same plane, allowing easy installation and secure attachment, even under operational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional interchangeable devices with separate support and positioning surfaces are used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision of optical components deteriorates due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support surface and positioning surface into a single common surface. The flat surface of the optical component rests directly on the mount while simultaneously being positioned by the carrier, eliminating the need for separate support and positioning surfaces. This merging eliminates the tolerance chain between multiple surfaces and achieves higher positioning precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate fixing means are used to secure optical components, then the reliability of component fixation improves, but the handling complexity and processing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring elements that automatically engage with the optical component when the carrier is closed. The springs provide automatic centering and fixation without requiring manual adjustment or multiple separate fixing operations. The magnetic fixation further enhances automatic securing, allowing the component to be reliably fixed simply by placing it in the carrier, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying handling.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional interchangeable systems with spring pressure are used, then the optical component is securely held, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to separate surface tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and positioning function into a single common surface between the optical component and the mount. This eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate surfaces (support surface plus positioning surface) with tight tolerances between them. The single surface approach reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving higher positioning accuracy, as only one surface flatness tolerance needs to be controlled.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate support and positioning surfaces are used in the carrier, then the carrier structure is simple, but the overall positioning precision deteriorates due to tolerance chain accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support surface and positioning surface into a single common surface that directly contacts the flat surface of the optical component. This eliminates the tolerance chain that would exist between separate support and positioning surfaces. The carrier structure remains relatively simple as it still uses a single flange with a common surface, but the positioning precision is significantly improved by eliminating cumulative tolerances.
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 more precise positioning of optical components, reduces manufacturing tolerances, and simplifies the handling of components, making the process more cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
magnets are attached to both the carrier and the holder. These magnets can be located on both the mounting and positioning surfaces. With the help of the first fixing means, the positioning surfaces on the carrier are held against the contact surfaces on the mount and fastened to them.
Implementation Method 2
The second fixing means can also be attached to the mount. One or more spring elements are usually used as fixing means. The spring elements can be part of the optical component (e.g., flexure joints) or designed as separate leaf springs. The spring elements can also be attached directly to a mount for the carrier.
Data Source
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AI summary
Changing device for optical components in a microscope, comprising: - an optical component (12) having a flat surface (13), - a carrier (1) for inserting and/or holding the optical component (12), and - a receptacle (26) for holding the carrier (1) in a beam path of the microscope, characterized in that: - the carrier (1) has contact surfaces (8) for the flat surface (13) of the optical component (1) and positioning surfaces (10) lying in the same plane, which are not covered by the optical component (12) when it is inserted, and - the receptacle (26) has contact surfaces (28) for contacting the positioning surfaces (10) and first fixing means (11) for fixing the carrier (1) positioned on the receptacle (26) and for bearing the positioning surfaces (10) against the contact surfaces (28).