Microscope Zoom System with Variable Aperture Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscope zoom systems fail to achieve maximum aperture at medium zoom magnifications, resulting in reduced resolution, and existing solutions are either complex to implement or limited in zoom range due to fixed aperture positions and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A zoom system with five lens groups, where the second and fourth lens groups are axially displacement, and a stationary aperture between them, allowing for maximum aperture at 60% of maximum magnification, enabling non-linear increase in object-side aperture with magnification, and controlled via virtual control curves or mechanical cam for continuous aperture progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed aperture stop is arranged in front of the zoom system, then the object-side aperture increases almost linearly with magnification, but significantly less resolution can be achieved in the medium magnification range
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop is made movable along the optical axis, coupled to the zoom lens groups so that its position changes dynamically with zoom magnification. This dynamic positioning allows the aperture to achieve maximum opening at medium magnifications rather than following a linear increase, thereby resolving the contradiction between resolution and operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If the aperture is moved together with a movable lens group depending on the zoom, then the object-side aperture curve is more favorable for high magnification, but carrying this movable iris diaphragm is quite complex in terms of technical implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop is merged with the zoom lens group structure, sharing the same movable support. This integration allows the aperture to move automatically with the lens groups during zooming without requiring a separate complex control mechanism, thus achieving favorable aperture distribution while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support structure serves multiple functions: it holds both the lens groups and the aperture stop, and provides automatic positioning for both components during zoom operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate aperture control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining optimal aperture characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a second manually operated aperture is arranged in an offset plane, then aperture settings can be adjusted, but the settings are only suitable for one zoom magnification and manual adjustment is required for each magnification change
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop automatically positions itself at the correct location along the optical axis based on the current zoom magnification, without requiring manual intervention. The coupling mechanism causes the aperture to move synchronously with the lens groups, enabling the system to self-adjust the aperture settings for each magnification level and eliminating time loss associated with manual repositioning.
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
This design achieves maximum aperture at medium zoom magnifications, ensuring high resolution across the zoom range, with adjustable aperture settings for optimal brightness and depth of field, overcoming limitations of prior art by maintaining optical correction and user flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a zoom system with five lens groups, where the second and fourth lens groups are axially displacement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wide range zoom system, in particular for use in microscopes. The zoom system according to the invention comprises five lens groups, of which, starting at the object side, the second and fourth lens group are displaceable in the axial direction relative to the first, third and fifth lens group. A stop of variable opening diameter that is stationary relative to the first, third and fifth lens group is provided between the second and fourth lens group, wherein the maximum opening diameter is said stop is in middle zoom magnifications. As magnification increases, the object-side aperture increases non-linearly in relation to the magnification, such that in regions of low magnifications the object-side aperture increases more sharply than in regions of higher magnifications.