Microscope Objective Changer With Flexible Energy Transfer Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing objective changers for light microscopes face challenges in accommodating annular light emitters due to limited distance between objectives, leading to reduced working distances and complex energy supply management, which restricts the flexibility and efficiency of objective changes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a transfer interface on the immovable carrier for energy transfer, coupled with energy connectors on the movable carrier, allows for flexible positioning and independent energy supply to each microscope objective, enabling free arrangement of illuminating means without limiting working distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between objectives is increased to accommodate annular light emitters, then the adaptability of illuminating means is improved, but the working distance is reduced and energy supply becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid fixed mounting to flexible positioning by introducing adjustable arms that allow the annular light emitter to be positioned in multiple spatial dimensions. This enables the illuminating means to adapt to different objective positions without reducing working distance, as the light emitter can be positioned optimally in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to a fixed plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities where the annular light emitter can be adjusted and repositioned according to different operational requirements. The adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms allow the system to adapt dynamically between different objectives and illumination scenarios, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and fixed working distance constraints.
2Ease of operation
If annular light emitters are directly attached to microscope objectives, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to rigid tube mounting and energy supply constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy supply system into independent channels for each objective position. Instead of a single complex rigid tube system, each objective can be equipped with its own annular light emitter and energy supply path. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by allowing independent control and adjustment of each illumination unit, reducing the complexity of managing a unified rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible positioning mechanisms and adjustable arms as intermediaries between the objectives and annular light emitters. These intermediaries decouple the rigid connection, allowing easy adjustment and reproduction of illumination settings while simplifying energy supply management through flexible rather than rigid connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between objectives is increased constructively, then the adaptability of illuminating means is improved, but the stability of the stand is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable positioning systems that allow the annular light emitters to be positioned optimally without requiring permanent increases in objective separation. The adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms enable the system to adapt its configuration based on which objective is in use, maintaining stand stability while providing the necessary adaptability for different illumination scenarios.
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 solution enables rapid and flexible illumination adjustments, maintains unchanged working distances, and simplifies the objective change process, providing significant time and cost savings while allowing for highly variable illumination scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
commercially available fiber-optic annular light emitters have a rigidly mounted tube, which conveys light from an external cold-light source to the output slit of the annular light emitter by means of optical fibers integrated therein
Implementation Method 2
at least one transfer interface for transferring energy for the purpose of illuminating the specimen is present on the immovable carrier, that at least one energy connector rigidly connected to the movable carrier being provided for receiving energy for the purpose of illuminating the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
An objective changer having incident-light illumination for light microscopes, including: at least two microscope objectives for examining a specimen, a movable carrier, on which the microscope objectives are mounted, an immovable carrier, which is adapted for mounting on a base body of the microscope, wherein the movable carrier is adapted for defined positioning thereof relatively to the immovable carrier, and at least one illuminating means for illuminating the specimen. The objective changer includes at least one transfer interface for transferring energy for illuminating the specimen is provided on the immovable carrier, at least one energy connector, which is rigidly connected to the movable carrier, is provided for receiving energy to illuminate the specimen, the energy connector is connected to an illuminating means, and by positioning the movable carrier relatively to the immovable carrier, a line engagement can be established between the transfer interface and an energy connector.