Digital Microscope Radial Piston Braking Eucentric Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital microscopes require complex and uncomfortable operations for achieving eucentric pivoting, which involves adjusting the sample to the axis of rotation without tools, leading to multiple iterations and poor user experience.
Innovation Solution
A digital microscope design with a pivoting unit mounted immovably relative to the axis of rotation in the x and z directions, allowing only rotational movement, and equipped with a braking unit for secure and adjustable pivoting, enabling eucentric swiveling without refocusing, and an optical system tuned to maintain focus during pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the swivel unit is allowed to move translationally relative to the stand base, then the microscope can be adjusted to different positions, but the focal point shifts during rotation requiring repeated refocusing adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the adjustment functions into two independent parts: translational positioning (done before rotation) and rotational viewing (eucentric pivoting). By fixing the swivel unit immovably in x and z directions relative to the rotation axis, the system ensures that once positioned, rotation does not require refocusing, thus segmenting the operations to eliminate repeated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires the user to perform preliminary alignment of the sample with the rotation axis and initial focusing before rotation. This preliminary action establishes eucentric conditions, allowing subsequent rotation to occur without refocusing needs, thereby eliminating repeated adjustments during the actual viewing operation.
2Reliability
If the swivel unit is mounted immovably relative to the axis of rotation, then eucentric rotation is maintained without refocusing, but the device complexity increases due to precise mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-centering mechanisms and gravity-assisted alignment features that automatically help maintain eucentric positioning without requiring complex active control systems. The immovable mounting is designed to naturally guide components into correct positions, reducing the need for sophisticated adjustment mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If tools are provided to align the sample with the axis of rotation, then the alignment process becomes easier, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces simple intermediary alignment features such as alignment marks, reference indicators, or mechanical guides that facilitate sample positioning without requiring complex active alignment tools. These passive intermediaries provide visual or tactile cues that guide the user to correct positioning, achieving ease of alignment without significant device complexity.
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
The design allows for easy and convenient eucentric operation, maintaining focus and depth information without the need for frequent adjustments, enhancing user experience and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a braking element (32-38) that can be pre-tensioned in a braking position by means of an elastic element (40), in which it contacts the shaft (24)
Implementation Method 2
The braking elements are specifically designed as radial pistons (32-38), meaning pistons that exert radially directed forces on the shaft when pressed against it
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a eucentric digital microscope (10) comprising a stationary base body (12) and a pivoting unit (14) pivotably mounted on the base body (12), wherein the pivoting unit (14) is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis (26) extending in a y-direction. The pivoting unit (14) comprises at least one optical system with an optical axis (15) extending orthogonally to the rotational axis (26) and a focal plane (92), wherein the pivoting unit (14) is arranged to be fixed relative to the rotational axis (26) at least in an x-direction and a z-direction.