Microscope Stage Three-Axis Control via Processor-Driven Gear Sets

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual adjustment of microscope stages and slide holders is imprecise, leading to inefficiencies in obtaining complete images, especially when dealing with uneven slides or sequential imaging.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first gear set for x-axis movement, a second gear set for y-axis movement, a collet for z-axis movement, and a processor to control these components, allowing precise three-axis control of microscope stages and slide holders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of focus knob and rotation unit is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and productivity are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. A processor electronically connected to the first gear set, second gear set, and collet enables automated control of the microscope stage movement along x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, substituting manual mechanical operations with an electronic control system that provides precise positioning without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through the processor-controlled gear sets and collet that automatically adjust the microscope stage position. The system can autonomously move the stage along three axes without requiring continuous manual operation, enabling the device to serve itself in achieving precise positioning and focusing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual adjustment is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is poor due to repeated adjustments needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage acquisition efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. A processor electronically connected to the first gear set, second gear set, and collet enables automated control of the microscope stage movement along x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, substituting manual mechanical operations with an electronic control system that provides precise positioning without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous image acquisition by allowing the processor to control the gear sets and collet to continuously adjust the stage position without interruption. The system can continuously move the stage along three axes to capture multiple images in sequence without requiring manual repositioning between shots, maintaining uninterrupted operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of rotation unit is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the measurement precision is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. A processor electronically connected to the first gear set, second gear set, and collet enables automated control of the microscope stage movement along x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, substituting manual mechanical operations with an electronic control system that provides precise positioning without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250164772A1Device for adjusting microscope in three-axis direction

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 SOUTHERN TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a device for adjusting microscope in three-axis direction, comprising: a first gear set, which is matched with a first rotating part of a rotation unit of a microscope, and is configured to move a microscope stage along an x-axis direction; a second gear set, which is matched with a second rotating part of the rotation unit of the microscope, and is configured to move a slide holder along a y-axis direction relative to the microscope stage; a collet, which is mounted on a focus knob, and is able to drive the focus knob rotate and move the microscope stage along a z-axis direction; and a processor, electronically connected with the first gear set, the second gear set, and the collet, and is configured to control operation of the first gear set, the second gear set and the collet optionally.