Microscope Stage Control Preventing Lens Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microscope apparatuses face challenges in preventing contact between electric movable devices and other components during operation, particularly in inverted microscopes, where it is difficult to determine contact between the objective lens and the stage, leading to potential damage and complex control requirements.
Innovation Solution
A microscope apparatus with an electric stage and revolver that includes a microswitch or similar state determining device to ensure the objective lens and stage are separated by a specified interval, using a manual focusing device to adjust distances and an operation control device to restrict operations when contact is imminent, thereby preventing damage and simplifying control processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electric movable device is operated without contact prevention, then the operation speed and productivity are improved, but the objective lens or stage may be damaged due to contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by determining the operable state of the electric movable device before operation. The state determining device checks whether the objective lens and stage are separated by a specified interval or more, and only allows operation when the device is in an operable state, preventing contact damage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the relative position between the objective lens and stage, and using this information to control whether the electric movable device can be operated. The restriction device prevents operation when the device is in an inoperable state, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
2Reliability
If the position information acquisition system is implemented, then the contact prevention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the existing focus control mechanism to determine the operable state. The state determining device leverages the focus control device's inherent position information to assess whether the objective lens and stage are properly separated, eliminating the need for separate position sensing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The focus control device serves multiple functions: it not only controls the focusing operation but also provides position information for determining the operable state of the electric movable device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components
3Measurement precision
If the rotation trajectory calculation is performed, then the contact detection precision is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes parameters by using a fixed specified interval threshold for determining the operable state, rather than calculating complex rotation trajectories. This parameter-based approach simplifies control while maintaining sufficient detection precision for contact prevention
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
Prevents contact between the objective lens and stage during operation, simplifying control and reducing the risk of damage, while allowing for easy switching between objective lenses with a simple configuration that does not require complex trajectory calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a microswitch or similar state determining device to ensure the objective lens and stage are separated by a specified interval
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A microscope apparatus includes a stage (3, 3A) and a revolver (5, 5A) that holds objective lenses (4). At least one of the stage and the revolver constitutes an electric movable device (3A, 5) that is electrically operated. The microscope apparatus further includes an input device (15) for inputting a command for operating the electric movable device, a manual focusing device (6) for adjusting a relative distance between the stage and the objective lenses, an operation control device (7, 18) for controlling operation of the electric movable device, a state determining device (13) for determining whether the electric movable device is in an operable state or not, and a restriction device (8) for restricting an output of a control signal for commanding the operation to the operation control device when the command for operating the electric movable device is input if the electric movable device is in an inoperable state.