Non-Contact Sensor for Manual Microscope Zoom Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually operated microscopes lack the capability to store and repeat microscope parameters such as zoom position and magnification settings for measurement purposes without complex motorized systems and incremental encoders.
Innovation Solution
Equipping a manually operated microscope with a non-contact absolute-measuring sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, to ascertain the position of manually adjustable elements like the zoom and focus systems, allowing for precise measurement and storage of settings without the need for motorized drives or initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manually operated microscope is equipped with motorized drives and incremental encoders to enable measurement and storage of parameters, then measurement capability and parameter repeatability are improved, but device complexity and control system requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces motorized drives with a purely mechanical adjustment system. Instead of using motors and electronic control, the invention uses a Hall effect sensor to detect the position of manually adjusted components (zoom and focus) and wirelessly transmits this data to a storage device, eliminating the need for complex motor control systems while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a Hall effect sensor as an intermediary between the mechanical adjustment system and the data storage system. The sensor detects magnetic field changes caused by the position of adjustment elements and converts them into electrical signals for wireless transmission, serving as a bridge that enables measurement without requiring direct electronic control of the mechanical components
2Reliability
If incremental encoders are used to track microscope parameter positions, then parameter storage and repeatability are enabled, but initialization after power shutdown becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an absolute-measuring Hall effect sensor that continuously maintains knowledge of the adjustment element positions without requiring power. The sensor's output directly reflects the absolute position at any moment, so when power is restored after shutdown, the system immediately knows the current positions without needing initialization or home-seeking procedures
3Measurement precision
If contact-based measuring systems are used to detect microscope component positions, then measurement precision can be achieved, but mechanical wear and initialization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measuring systems with a non-contact magnetic field sensing system. The Hall effect sensor detects the position of a magnet attached to the adjustment element through magnetic field changes without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining precise position detection capability
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
Enables precise and repeatable measurement of microscope parameters, allowing for accurate documentation and reapplication of settings, while maintaining a simple mechanical construction and eliminating the need for complex control systems.
Implementation Method 1
provision is made that the sensor is embodied as a Hall effect sensor. With a sensor of this kind, a magnet is moved in non-contact fashion over a receiver module, and the field strength of the magnetic field is measured by the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope having a mechanically adjustable zoom system (7) and/or a mechanically adjustable focus system is described, which microscope is equipped at least one manually movable adjusting element (2) for adjusting the zoom system (7) and/or the focus system. The adjusting element (2) has associated with it a sensor (1) for ascertaining and/or indicating the position of the adjusting element (2).