Segmented Microscope Lens Barrel for Heavy Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscope lens barrels face challenges in supporting heavier measuring devices, leading to increased strain and degradation in observation image quality due to the added load on the lens barrel and microscope main body.
Innovation Solution
A microscope lens barrel design with a shorter length and thicker main body frame, incorporating an optical-path switching mechanism with prisms and a slider system that improves rigidity while reducing weight and load, allowing for the integration of heavier devices without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heavier measuring devices are mounted on the lens barrel main body, then the functionality and versatility of the microscope system is improved, but the load on the lens barrel main body increases causing degradation in image quality and observation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lens barrel into two separate components: a fixed main body and a movable extension unit. The extension unit can be attached to or separated from the main body, allowing the system to accommodate heavier devices only when needed while maintaining a lightweight configuration during normal operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility through the extension unit without permanently increasing the load on the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension unit is designed to be movable relative to the main body, capable of extending outward to receive heavier measuring devices and retracting back to minimize load. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its weight and functionality based on operational requirements, thereby maintaining image quality while providing versatility when needed.
2Strength
If the lens barrel main body is made thicker to improve rigidity, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and load on the microscope main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lens barrel structure into a lightweight main body and a separate extension unit. The main body maintains sufficient rigidity for normal operation without excessive thickness, while the extension unit provides additional support when deployed. This segmentation allows the system to achieve necessary strength without permanently increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension unit is designed to merge with the main body when deployed, creating a combined structure with sufficient rigidity to support heavier devices. When retracted, the extension unit separates, reducing the overall weight. This merging approach allows the system to achieve high rigidity only when needed rather than maintaining it continuously.
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
The design enhances the rigidity of the lens barrel, reduces strain on the microscope main body, and maintains image quality even with heavier devices mounted, while minimizing weight and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens which converges the entering observation light to form an observation image
Implementation Method 2
an optical-path switching mechanism which selectively switches the optical path of the observation light to guide the observation light from the input port to at least one of the output ports
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope lens barrel (8; 28) includes an input port (11a) where observation light enters the microscope lens barrel (8; 28); a plurality of output ports (11b, 11c) which the observation light goes out of the microscope lens barrel (8; 28); an optical-path switching mechanism (13; 33) which selectively switches an optical path of the observation light to guide the observation light from the input port (11a) to at least one of the output ports (11b, 11c); and a supporting part (11d; 31d) which supports the optical-path switching mechanism (13; 33). The input port (11a), the output ports (11b, 11c), and the supporting part (11d; 31d) are integrally formed as a tubular body frame (11; 31) so that the input port (11a), the output ports (11b, 11c), and the supporting part (11d; 31d) are arranged at respective center positions of sidewalls of the tubular body frame (11; 31).