Microscope Optics Housing Unit

thingiverse

Design challenge: create a low-cost, easily assembled housing unit for evaluating microscope optics. Justification: easily modifiable design allows for the use of lenses of varying sizes and focal length. Unit can be modified for low- or high-powered magnification. Depending on the lenses used, this tool’s use varies from education in biology or physics, to practical field use. In addition, the materials necessary to construct this platform are low-cost and easily replaceable, ensuring long-time use. Design features: • Easily removable optics work bench allows for experimentation of various lenses / lens configurations at different positions and respective focal distances • Movable stage allows for further adjustments in the distance between specimen and objective lens • Rotating mirror moves to align sunlight through stage • Adjustable aperture adjusts the amount of light coming through specimen • Sliding drawer in base provides storage for slides and samples (additional file) • Tension bars allow for maintain position • Many aspects of the design, if broken, can be easily removed and replaced • Alignment tool allows for correct angling during assembly and leveling optics Changeable parts of design: • Size of lenses in optics pieces • Number of lens pieces Included files: • Design for housing unit (.svg) • Design for additional drawers for base (.svg) • Instructional drawings (.pdf) • Written instructions with pictures (.pdf) • Pictures of completed unit (.jpg) • Video of particular design aspects: https://youtu.be/JIwJpVcMr1Y Design based on 1/8 inch (3mm) material. Example depicted was cut on a Glowforge using particle board / plywood. Designs and instructional drawings created on Inkscape software, version 0.92.3. Mirror in example purchased from wish.geek.com. Original design based on 7mm laser pointer lenses. Design challenge proposed by Dr. Richard Siderits.