Observation Device Optical Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional observation devices with both macro and micro observation systems are bulky and inefficient due to the need for separate optical axes and illumination systems, leading to increased user waiting time and reduced throughput when switching between observation modes.
Innovation Solution
The observation device is designed with a macro observation system and a micro observation system arranged to satisfy specific optical axis alignment conditions, including a distance condition between optical axes and illumination system configurations, to minimize space and interference, allowing for compact and efficient switching between macro and micro observations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical axes are used for macro and micro observation systems, then each system can function independently, but the device becomes bulky and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the macro and micro observation optical axes into a shared optical path. The objective lens serves both macro and micro observation functions, and the condenser lens is positioned to illuminate the entire field of view for both observation modes. This merging eliminates the need for separate illumination systems and reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining independent functionality of both observation systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate illumination systems are provided for macro and micro observation, then each observation mode can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser lens is designed with universal functionality to illuminate the entire field of view for both macro and micro observation modes. The single condenser lens replaces what would traditionally require separate illumination systems, simplifying the device structure while maintaining optimized illumination for both observation modes through its strategic positioning and optical design.
3Area of stationary object
If macro and micro observation systems are arranged close together, then device size is reduced, but interference between systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves spatial interference by transitioning to a different dimensional arrangement - placing the condenser lens in the vertical dimension below the stage, rather than horizontally adjacent to the objective lens. This vertical stacking in the Z-dimension allows the illumination system to be positioned close to the objective lens without causing lateral optical interference, enabling compact device footprint while preventing harmful interference between systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An observation device includes: a macro observation system; and a micro observation system. The macro observation system and the micro observation system are arranged so as to satisfy a first condition. The first condition is that a distance from a macro optical axis to a micro optical axis is equal to or less than a square root of a sum of squares of a first distance and a second distance. The first distance is a distance between the macro optical axis and a central axis of an outer diameter of the nosepiece. The second distance is a distance in a first direction between the central axis of the outer diameter and a side surface of the nosepiece. The first direction is a direction orthogonal to the macro optical axis and orthogonal to a line segment connecting the macro optical axis and the central axis of the outer diameter.