Movable Liquid Supply and Discharge for Immersion Objectives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid supply and discharge devices for immersion objective lenses lack compatibility and flexibility, requiring long wait times during operations and serial logical sequences that hinder efficient use of the objective lens.

Innovation Solution

A movable liquid supply and discharge device with independent conduit assemblies and a driving assembly that allows simultaneous application and aspiration of liquids, compatible with various lens sizes, and includes a reversing assembly and dual pump system for parallel operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the liquid supply and discharge module is fixed together with the objective lens, then the liquid supply and discharge function is integrated, but the system cannot match different objective lenses and lacks compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different objective lensesVSAvoidstructure-objective lens coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply and discharge system is segmented from the objective lens structure into an independent movable device. The liquid supply conduit assembly and liquid discharge conduit assembly are separate from the objective lens, allowing the system to accommodate different lens specifications while maintaining dedicated liquid management functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable liquid supply and discharge device is designed with universal applicability to work with objective lenses of different sizes and specifications. The independent conduit assemblies can be positioned and adjusted to serve multiple lens types without requiring lens-specific integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the objective lens waits for liquid supply and discharge operations sequentially, then the liquid operations are performed in order, but the objective lens cannot perform photography and other tasks during this time, consuming a lot of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjective lens utilization efficiencyVSAvoidwait time during liquid operations
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply and discharge operations are performed in advance and in parallel before the objective lens is needed for photography or other tasks. The movable device prepares the working surface by supplying liquid and removing previous liquid, so that when the lens moves to the working position, the liquid operations are already complete, eliminating wait time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous productivity by overlapping liquid supply/discharge operations with objective lens positioning and other preparatory actions. The movable liquid management device operates independently and continuously, ensuring that liquid operations do not interrupt the main photography workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If the liquid supply and discharge operations are performed sequentially in serial logical sequence, then the operations are simple to control, but the total operation time is extended and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid operation speedVSAvoidparallel operation control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid supply and discharge functions are segmented into separate conduit assemblies that can operate independently and in parallel. The liquid supply conduit assembly and liquid discharge conduit assembly are controlled separately, enabling simultaneous operations without complex interdependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically coordinates parallel liquid supply and discharge operations through the movable device architecture. The independent conduit assemblies can be activated, deactivated, or adjusted dynamically based on operational needs, allowing flexible parallel execution while maintaining manageable control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient, parallel liquid supply and discharge operations, reducing downtime and material costs while maintaining compatibility with different objective lenses.

Implementation Method 1

a driving assembly connected to the fluid interface assembly, where the driving assembly is configured to apply a forward driving force to the liquid supply conduit assembly through the fluid interface assembly so as to apply the working liquid to the working surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

or to apply a reverse driving force to the liquid discharge conduit assembly so as to aspirate the working liquid from the working surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4617355A1Liquid feeding and discharging device and method, immersion objective system, gene sequencer, and biochemical detection method
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 MGI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4617355A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617355A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4617355A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A liquid supply and discharge device is provided, used to apply a working liquid from a liquid supply station to a working surface of a platform assembly. The liquid supply and discharge device is movable relative to the working surface and includes: a liquid supply conduit assembly configured to apply the working liquid to the working surface; a liquid discharge conduit assembly configured to aspirate the working liquid from the working surface; a conduit structure assembly connected between the liquid supply conduit assembly and the liquid discharge conduit assembly; a fluid interface assembly connected between the liquid supply station and the conduit structure assembly; and a driving assembly connected to the fluid interface assembly, where the driving assembly is configured to apply a forward driving force to the liquid supply conduit assembly through the fluid interface assembly so as to apply the working liquid to the working surface, or to apply a reverse driving force to the liquid discharge conduit assembly so as to aspirate the working liquid from the working surface.