Microscope Wavefront Analysis Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopes are inadequate for performing wavefront analysis, which is essential for determining optical properties of the eye during ophthalmic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a microscope housing with a detachable objective lens and a wavefront analysis system, including a beam splitter, that allows for simultaneous optical microscopy and wavefront analysis by coupling the objective lens into the microscope beam path and the wavefront analysis system into the wavefront beam path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional microscope is used, then optical microscopy can be performed, but wavefront analysis cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system integrates multiple functions (optical microscopy and wavefront analysis) into a single unified platform. The microscope housing and beam paths are designed to accommodate both microscopy objectives and wavefront analysis components, allowing the same physical system to perform multiple diagnostic functions without requiring separate independent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into functionally independent modules that can be selectively coupled. The microscopy beam path and wavefront beam path are separate but integrated within the same housing, allowing each function to operate independently while sharing common infrastructure such as the light source and detector platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional wavefront analysis components are added to the microscope, then wavefront analysis capability is achieved, but the coupling and alignment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element integrates multiple functional components (objective lens holder, beam splitter mounting, wavefront analysis system) into a single pre-aligned assembly. This merging of components into a unified coupling unit eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures for each component, simplifying the overall coupling process while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The relative positions and orientations of the objective lens, beam splitter, and wavefront analysis system are pre-adjusted and fixed within the coupling element before attachment to the microscope. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the coupling element is attached to the microscope housing, all components are automatically positioned correctly without requiring additional adjustment steps.
3Reliability
If the objective lens and wavefront analysis system are permanently integrated, then alignment is maintained, but flexibility and ease of maintenance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static permanent integration to a dynamic configurable integration. The detachable coupling element allows the system to switch between different operational states (coupled/uncoupled, different objective lenses, different wavefront analysis configurations) while maintaining stable alignment when coupled. This dynamic design enables both alignment reliability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular coupling element design allows individual components (objective lens, wavefront analysis system) to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the integrity of the remaining system. The standardized coupling interface ensures that components can be discarded (removed for maintenance or replacement) and recovered (reattached) while maintaining precise alignment through the pre-configured coupling element structure.
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 efficient imaging of the object region for both microscopy and wavefront analysis, ensuring accurate optical property determination without requiring additional adjustments, and allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly of components.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter, which is arranged in the wavefront beam path
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system, comprising a microscope housing having a coupling opening for a detachable coupling of an objective lens of the optical system such that the objective lens is arranged in a microscope beam path of the optical system for imaging an object region of the objective lens. The optical system further comprises an assembly. The assembly comprises an assembly housing having a coupling element for the detachable coupling of the coupling element and the coupling opening of the microscope housing; a wavefront analysis system, which provides a wavefront beam path; and a beam splitter, which is arranged in the wavefront beam path. The objective lens, the beam splitter and the wavefront analysis system are arranged such that during the coupling of the coupling opening and the coupling element, the objective lens is arranged in the microscope beam path and the object region is arranged in the wavefront beam path.