Objective Lens Unit Layout for Stable Microscope Stage Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of spacers in microscope apparatuses to adjust the level position of the stage leads to increased shaking of the objective lens, affecting the accuracy of specimen observation due to displacement from the desired position.

Innovation Solution

A microscope apparatus design that includes a spacer system with electrical connections through lead wires and connectors to maintain stability and alignment of the nosepiece unit, stage, and illumination systems, minimizing lateral displacement of the objective lens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a spacer is disposed between the base and the pillar to adjust the level position of the stage, then the stage position can be adjusted, but the distance between the base and the nosepiece increases causing increased shaking in the XY direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestage position adjustmentVSAvoidnosepiece stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A rigid support structure (pillar) is introduced as an intermediary element between the base and the nosepiece support. This pillar provides a stable mechanical connection that maintains nosepiece stability even when spacers are used for stage position adjustment, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of position adjustability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a spacer is disposed between the base and the pillar, then the stage level position can be adjusted, but the objective lens may be displaced from the desired position affecting observation accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestage level adjustmentVSAvoidspecimen observation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pillar acts as a rigid intermediary structure that decouples the stage position adjustment (via spacers) from the nosepiece positioning. This ensures that when spacers are added or removed to adjust stage level, the objective lens position remains stable and accurate, preventing displacement that would affect observation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The microscope apparatus is segmented into functionally independent modules: the base with driver, the pillar as a rigid support, the nosepiece support with spacers for stage adjustment, and the objective lens. This segmentation allows stage level adjustment via spacers without affecting the objective lens positioning, as each module can be adjusted independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3528028B1Microscope apparatus and objective lens unit
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 NIKON CORP
  • EP3528028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3528028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3528028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] An object is to observe a specimen accurately. [Means to Solve Problem] A microscope apparatus includes a base, a support disposed upright on the base, and an objective lens unit supported by the support and including an objective lens holder that holds an objective lens. The objective lens unit includes a drive source that moves the objective lens holder up and down and a driver that transmits a drive force of the drive source to the objective lens holder.