Microscope Rotary Wheel Objective-Dependent Rotation Limit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes face challenges in achieving a large magnification range while maintaining a simple and compact construction, as they require objectives with greatly differing focal lengths, leading to complex designs, high costs, and parfocalization issues due to varying parfocalizing distances.
Innovation Solution
A microscope design featuring a rotary wheel with engagement elements that limit the rotatability to a partial zoom range based on the objective in use, allowing for objectives with focal lengths closer together, enabling a parfocal system and reducing construction complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If objectives with very short focal lengths are used to achieve high magnification, then the magnification range is improved, but the field angle is reduced and the objective design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the zoom range into multiple partial ranges, each associated with a specific objective. The rotary wheel is segmented into corresponding partial rotation ranges, where each range is limited by engagement elements that interact with the objective's position. This segmentation allows each objective to be optimized for its specific focal length range without requiring complex designs to accommodate the entire zoom range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic engagement elements that automatically adjust the rotatability of the rotary wheel based on the inserted objective. When an objective is inserted, engagement elements engage with the objective's position to dynamically limit the rotary wheel's rotation to a predetermined partial range. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to automatically optimize the zoom range for each objective without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If objectives with very long focal lengths are used to achieve low magnification, then the magnification range is improved, but the distance between objective interface and object plane increases requiring the zoom system to be moved away from the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the zoom range into partial ranges corresponding to different objectives. Each objective is associated with a specific partial rotation range of the rotary wheel, which limits the zoom system's position to an optimal range for that objective. This segmentation ensures that the zoom system remains at appropriate distances for each objective without requiring excessive movement away from the object plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the zoom system by limiting the rotary wheel's rotation range based on the inserted objective. This parameter change ensures that the zoom system operates within optimal distances for each objective, preventing the need to move the zoom system too far from the object plane while still achieving the desired magnification range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If objectives with greatly differing focal lengths are used to achieve large magnification range, then the magnification range is improved, but the parfocalizing distances become very different making parfocal implementation complex or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall zoom range into multiple partial ranges, each optimized for a specific objective. By limiting the rotary wheel's rotation to predetermined partial ranges based on the inserted objective, the system maintains consistent parfocal distances across all objectives. This segmentation ensures that each objective operates within a zoom range that preserves parfocal alignment, eliminating the need for complex parfocal adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the operational parameters of the zoom system by limiting the rotary wheel's rotation range according to the inserted objective. This parameter change ensures that the zoom system maintains appropriate parfocal distances for each objective, transforming a complex parfocal implementation problem into a simplified system where each objective naturally operates within its optimal parfocal range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the zoom system is moved away from the object to accommodate long objective focal lengths, then the magnification range is improved, but the construction becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the zoom range into partial ranges associated with different objectives. Each objective is paired with a specific partial rotation range of the rotary wheel, which limits the zoom system's movement to a compact range appropriate for that objective. This segmentation prevents the zoom system from being moved too far from the object, maintaining a compact overall construction while still achieving the desired magnification range.
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope (10) includes an objective system (30) and a zoom system (32). The microscope (10) furthermore has a manually rotatable rotary wheel (108) for adjusting the magnification of the zoom system (32), the rotary wheel (108) being rotatable within a predetermined maximum rotation range. The rotary wheel (108) includes a first engagement element (162, 164). In addition, at least one second engagement element (130 to 136) is movably mounted on a housing (100) of the microscope (10). This second engagement element (130 to 136) is movable between a deactivated and an activated position, being in engagement with the first engagement element (162, 164) in an activated position. The position of the second engagement element (130 to 136) is determined by the respective objective (44, 52) currently received in the beam path.