Compact Microscope Stage Groove Carriage Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact portable microscopes lack a precision XY stage that is thin, compact, accurate, inexpensive, and robust, limiting their application due to fragility, high cost, and susceptibility to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A compact microscope stage with a base featuring parallel grooves and a carriage with projections that fit into the grooves, allowing smooth movement in one direction while a sample holder moves orthogonally, utilizing a spring plunger for alignment and magnets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a precision laboratory microscope stage is miniaturized for portable use, then portability is improved, but the stage becomes fragile and susceptible to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The stage is divided into separate functional components: a base with grooves, a carriage with projections, and a sample holder. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for portability while maintaining overall robustness through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple geometric shapes (grooves and projections) that can be easily replicated and manufactured with standard tools, replacing complex precision mechanisms with simplified copies that maintain functionality while improving durability.
2Measurement precision
If a precision XY stage is added to portable microscope, then imaging accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves and projections are designed to self-align and self-constrain the carriage movement, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms, bearings, or adjustment systems. The geometry itself provides the positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential positioning function from complex precision stages, retaining only the grooves and projections needed for XY movement while removing all unnecessary mechanical complexity, lubrication systems, and adjustment mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If grooves and projections are made to fit closely for smooth movement, then positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are designed with slightly exaggerated dimensions compared to the projections, creating intentional clearance that compensates for manufacturing variations. This excessive action in design tolerances allows standard manufacturing processes to achieve the required fit without precision machining.
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 stage provides a compact, cost-effective, and robust XY positioning system that is resistant to contamination, enabling high-resolution imaging and easy cleaning, while maintaining a low profile for portability.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means configured to bias a sample holder against the guide while permitting movement of the sample holder relative to the guide
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a spring plunger for alignment and magnets for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A microscope stage comprising a planar base (1) with two or more parallel grooves (2) formed extending in a first direction (5). A carriage (3) is mounted on the base with at least two projections (4) that slide in the grooves. The carriage receives a microscope slide or other sample holder (6). The carriage includes at least one guide and a biasing means (7) to urge the sample holder against the guide while permitting it to move relative to the guide in a second direction (8) orthogonal to the first direction.