Stereomicroscope Rotating Assistant Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereomicroscopes face issues such as the secondary observation optical system blocking the primary observer's field of view when rotated, complex and time-consuming manual adjustment of the assistant's microscope position, asymmetric observation fields imposing burden on operators, and limited lens tube shape due to swiveling mechanisms, which can lead to collisions.
Innovation Solution
A stereomicroscope design featuring a rotatable second observation optical system around the objective lens's axis, a reflecting member positioned above the objective lens to redirect light without obstructing the primary observer's view, and a gear-based drive mechanism for easy position switching of the assistant's microscope, ensuring symmetrical observation fields and preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary observation optical system is rotated to change the assistant's position, then the assistant can observe from different positions, but the secondary observation optical system blocks the primary observer's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by placing a reflecting member above the objective lens at a height different from the primary and secondary observation optical systems. This vertical dimension allows the reflecting member to redirect light paths without interfering with the horizontal positioning of the observation systems, thereby enabling the assistant to change positions without blocking the primary observer's view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the assistant's microscope position is manually adjusted, then the assistant can change observation position, but the adjustment process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a drive mechanism that automatically rotates the secondary observation optical system when the assistant's microscope is moved radially. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual positioning adjustments by the assistant, as the system automatically adapts the optical system's angular position to match the microscope's radial displacement, thereby reducing adjustment time and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the secondary observation optical system is rotated around the objective lens axis, then the assistant can move to different positions, but the observation fields become asymmetric imposing burden on operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately introduces asymmetry in the light path configuration by using a reflecting member positioned above the objective lens. This asymmetric arrangement allows the secondary observation optical system to rotate around the objective lens axis while the reflecting member redirects light to maintain symmetrical observation fields for both the primary and assistant observers, thereby eliminating operator burden despite the rotational movement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a swiveling mechanism is used for the assistant's microscope, then the assistant can change position, but the lens tube shape is limited and collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the shape limitation and collision issues by moving the light redirection function to a vertical dimension above the objective lens. The reflecting member is positioned at a height that allows the secondary observation optical system to rotate horizontally without the lens tube needing to swivel upward. This eliminates the need for complex swiveling mechanisms and prevents collisions with objects above the lens tube, while still enabling the assistant to change positions freely.
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 easy and unobstructed position change of the assistant's microscope without blocking the primary observer's view, simplifies the adjustment process, reduces operator burden, and avoids collisions by using a symmetrical and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The reflecting mirror 1031 reflects an illumination light outputted from the light source, and projects it onto the observation object 2000 via the objective lens 1001
Implementation Method 2
The primary observation optical system 1010 guides the illumination light reflected by the observation object 2000 to an operator's ocular lens (not shown)
Implementation Method 3
The secondary observation optical system 1020 guides the illumination light reflected by the observation object 2000 to an assistant's ocular lens (not shown)
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination optical system projects an illumination light onto an observation object via an objective lens. A first observation optical system guides the illumination light reflected by the observation object to a first ocular lens. A second observation optical system includes a second ocular lens for observing the reflected light of the illumination light. An optical system drive mechanism rotates the second observation optical system and arranges the second observation optical system between a first position and second position facing each other. A reflecting member is disposed at a position retracted from the illumination light path and the reflected light path and reflects the reflected light in a direction different from the optical axis. A drive mechanism rotates the reflecting member around a rotation axis orthogonal to the optical axis and guides the reflected light to the second observation optical system arranged at the first or second position.