Slicing device for sample preparation in pathology department

Abstract

The invention provides a slicing device for sample preparation in the pathology department, and relates to the technical field of sample preparation. Comprising a C-shaped slicing frame, a driving assembly on the inner wall of the C-shaped slicing frame drives a sliding seat to move along a sliding rail, and an electric push rod below the sliding seat drives a push plate with a cutting tool. A cutting seat is arranged on the lower inner wall of the slicing frame, and a sample seat is placed in a peripheral mounting groove. The sample seat is provided with parallel cutting grooves, and a top plate is driven by an adjusting screw to fix a sample. The parallel resistor discs are arranged on the cutting base, the sliding assembly with the conductive contact piece is arranged in the top plate, and the parallel resistor discs and the sliding assembly make contact to form a displacement sensor used for accurately detecting and calibrating the top plate position, namely the initial cutting position when a sample is fixed. The problems that in the prior art, a cutting starting point depends on manual visual inspection, positioning is not accurate, and a sample base is not firmly fixed are solved, rapid and stable installation of a sample and automatic and accurate positioning of the cutting starting point are achieved, and the preparation precision, consistency and operation efficiency of the pathological section are remarkably improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of sample preparation, in particular to a sectioning device for pathological sample preparation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Pathological sectioning is a core step of pathological diagnosis, and a paraffin block embedded with a tissue needs to be cut into a thin slice with a thickness of only a few microns. The quality of the slice directly affects the accuracy of subsequent staining and microscopic observation. The key to achieving high-quality sectioning lies in the stable fixation of the sample and the accurate positioning of the cutting starting point, which together determine the integrity of the section, the uniformity of the thickness, and the recognizability of the tissue structure.

[0003] In the prior art, as shown in the comparative document (CN219179018U), pathological sectioning devices often use a manual operation method of double-sided clamps combined with bolt locking to fix the paraffin block. This method has obvious defects: first, the double-sided adjustment and locking process is complicated, inefficient, and highly dependent on the operator's experience; more importantly, this type of fixation method lacks linkage feedback with the cutting mechanism, and cannot accurately determine and record the initial spatial position of the sample relative to the cutting tool (i.e., the cutting starting point) while the sample is being fixed. This results in the need for manual visual inspection or repeated trial cutting to roughly align before each sectioning, which not only introduces human error but also makes it difficult to ensure the accurate repeatability of the starting position of the first slice and subsequent slices in batch or continuous sectioning. A small deviation in the cutting starting point will directly affect the continuity of the sectioning band and the maximum utilization of the sample. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sectioning device that can quickly and stably fix the sample and simultaneously, automatically, and accurately determine the initial position of the cutting. SUMMARY

[0004] (I) Technical problems solved In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application provides a sectioning device for pathological sample preparation, which solves the problems raised in the background art.

[0005] Technical scheme To achieve the above purpose, the present application is implemented by the following technical scheme: a sectioning device for pathological sample preparation, comprising a sectioning frame, the sectioning frame is arranged in a C shape, the upper inner wall of the sectioning frame is fixedly connected with a driving assembly, the output end of the driving assembly is fixedly connected with a sliding seat, the lower side wall of the sliding seat is fixedly connected with an electric push rod, the output end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected with a push plate, and the lower end of the push plate is installed with a cutting tool. The lower inner wall of the slice rack is fixedly connected with a cutting seat, the inner upper side wall of the slice rack and outside the cutting seat is provided with a mounting groove, the inner of the mounting groove is mounted with a sample seat, the upper side wall of the sample seat is uniformly provided with a plurality of cutting grooves, the cutting grooves are parallel to the cutting tool, the right side wall of the sample seat is threadedly connected with an adjusting screw rod, the left end of the adjusting screw rod is rotatably connected with a top plate, and the lower inner wall of the slice rack is mounted with a control seat. The upper side wall of the cutting seat is fixedly connected with two parallel resistance sheets, the inner of the top plate is slidably connected with two parallel sliding columns, the lower end of the sliding column is fixedly connected with a conductive plate, the lower side wall of the conductive plate is fixedly connected with two conductive contact pieces, each conductive contact piece is electrically connected with the conductive plate, and the conductive contact piece is in sliding contact with the resistance sheet when the top plate moves. The inner of the slice rack is slidably connected with four limiting rods, the left side wall and the right side wall of the sample seat are provided with two limiting holes, each limiting rod is matched with a corresponding limiting hole, and the sample seat is locked.

[0006] Preferably, the inside of the driving assembly is provided with a stepping motor and a ball screw, the output end of the stepping motor is fixedly connected with the ball screw through a shaft coupling, and the ball screw is connected with the sliding seat through a nut.

[0007] Preferably, the lower inner wall of the slice rack is slidably connected with four limiting sliding covers, each limiting sliding cover is connected with a limiting rod through a connecting rod, a supporting spring is sleeved on the connecting rod, the supporting spring acts between the limiting sliding cover and the slice rack, and a biasing force for inserting the limiting rod into the limiting hole is provided.

[0008] Preferably, two groups of guide columns are mounted between the sliding seat and the push plate, so that the stability of the push plate in up-down sliding is effectively improved.

[0009] Preferably, a current detection circuit is mounted in the inside of the slice rack, a connecting column is fixedly connected with the lower side wall of each resistance sheet, the connecting column, the resistance sheet, the conductive contact piece and the conductive plate are sequentially electrically connected, and are combined to form an adjustable resistance connected in series into the current detection circuit; the current detection circuit is used for judging the sliding distance of the top plate according to the resistance value change of the adjustable resistance; and a spring is mounted between the inner wall of the sliding column and the top plate, so that the conductive contact piece and the resistance sheet maintain stable contact pressure.

[0010] Preferably, two groups of sliding rails are mounted on the upper inner wall of the slice rack, the sliding rails and the sliding seat are slidably connected, and the back of the sliding seat is fixedly connected with a sliding block matched with the sliding rail.

[0011] Preferably, a limiting plate is fixedly connected to the lower side wall of the drive assembly, a front plate is fixedly connected to the right side wall of the drive assembly, and micro switches are installed on the right side wall of the limiting plate and the left side wall of the front plate. The trigger end of the micro switch corresponds to the movement path of the sliding seat; the micro switch is signal-connected to the control circuit in the control seat.

[0012] Preferably, the lower side wall of the slicing rack is fixedly connected to several support bases, and the lower end of each support base is fixedly connected to a shock-absorbing pad; the left side wall of the top plate is fixedly connected to an elastic protective pad.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects This invention provides a slide preparation device for pathology samples, which has the following advantages: 1. This invention constructs a displacement detection component by incorporating a resistive element on the cutting base and a conductive contact integrated into the top plate. When the rotating adjusting screw pushes the top plate to fix the sample, the position of the conductive contact on the resistive element changes synchronously. Its resistance value is detected in real time by the control circuit and converted into a precise displacement signal. This signal directly reflects the absolute position of the sample's front end face (cutting start point) after fixation. Based on this, the system can automatically and precisely position the cutting tool to this start point, completely eliminating manual tool setting errors. This ensures that each slice, especially the first cut of consecutive slices, starts from the exact same and optimal position, significantly improving the continuity, thickness uniformity, and integrity of the tissue section.

[0014] 2. This invention designs a linkage locking mechanism consisting of a limiting sliding cover, a limiting rod, and a supporting spring. After the sample holder is placed, the limiting rod automatically inserts into the limiting hole on the side wall of the sample holder under the action of the spring, achieving four-point rigid locking. This eliminates any slight shaking of the sample holder during slicing, providing a solid reference platform for high-precision cutting. For replacement or cleaning, simply slide the limiting sliding cover to unlock and remove the sample, making the operation extremely quick.

[0015] 3. This invention employs a stepper motor-driven ball screw assembly to move the sliding seat for lateral feed, coupled with a high-precision linear guide rail, achieving minute, precise, and stable horizontal displacement of the cutting tool. The repeatability of this electromechanical drive method is far superior to that of the pneumatic method. The feed amount (i.e., slice thickness) can be easily set and precisely executed each time via a controller, thus ensuring the uniformity of thickness in continuous slices and laying the foundation for obtaining high-quality pathological slices suitable for continuous staining. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram on the right side of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sample holder and cutting holder in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the limiting sliding cover in this invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sample holder in this invention.

[0017] The components include: 1. Slicing rack; 101. Support base; 102. Slide rail; 103. Cutting seat; 1031. Resistance element; 1032. Connecting post; 104. Mounting slot; 2. Control seat; 3. Sample holder; 301. Cutting slot; 302. Adjusting screw; 303. Top plate; 3031. Sliding post; 3032. Conductive plate; 3033. Conductive contact; 304. Limiting hole; 4. Sliding seat; 401. Guide post; 402. Electric push rod; 403. Push plate; 404. Cutting tool; 5. Drive assembly; 501. Front plate; 502. Limiting plate; 503. Micro switch; 6. Limiting sliding cover; 601. Limiting rod; 602. Connecting rod; 603. Supporting spring. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] Example 1: like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a slide preparation device for pathology samples. The device includes a C-shaped slide holder 1 with a stable structure, providing rigid support for internal components. Support bases 101 are fixedly connected to the four bottom corners of the slide holder 1. Each support base 101 has a rubber shock-absorbing pad adhered to its lower end to absorb minor vibrations during operation and improve operational stability.

[0020] A drive assembly 5 is bolted to the upper inner wall of the slicing holder 1. This drive assembly 5 includes a stepper motor and a ball screw transmission pair. The output shaft of the stepper motor is rigidly connected to the end of the ball screw shaft via a coupling. The nut of the ball screw is fixedly connected to the back of the sliding seat 4 via a floating coupling (or centering block) that allows for slight radial and angular misalignment. This design compensates for installation errors and ensures smooth transmission. Simultaneously, two high-precision linear guide rails 102 are mounted parallel to each other on the upper inner wall of the slicing holder 1. A slider matching the guide rail 102 is fixed to the back of the sliding seat 4, allowing the sliding seat 4 to perform high-precision linear reciprocating motion along the guide rail 102.

[0021] A limiting mechanism is integrated into the housing of the drive assembly 5. A limiting plate 502 is fixed to its lower side, and a front plate 501 is fixed to its right side. A micro switch 503 is installed on the right side of the limiting plate 502 and the left side of the front plate 501. The trigger rods of these two micro switches 503 are aligned with the movement path of the sliding seat 4. When the sliding seat 4 moves to the corresponding position, it will press the switch, which is used to calibrate the origin and limit positions of the slice stroke, respectively, to achieve hardware safety protection.

[0022] An electric push rod 402 is fixedly installed on the lower side wall of the sliding seat 4. Two optical shafts are also vertically fixed below the sliding seat 4 as guide posts 401. A push plate 403 is machined with a linear bearing or guide hole that precisely matches the guide post 401, so that the push plate 403 can slide stably up and down along the guide post 401 without wobbling. The upper end of the push plate 403 is fixedly connected to the piston rod end of the electric push rod 402, and the lower end is equipped with a cutting tool 404 (such as a disposable blade or steel knife) through a detachable clamp.

[0023] A cutting seat 103 is fixedly connected to the center of the lower inner wall of the slice holder 1. An annular mounting groove 104 is machined into the upper side wall of the slice holder 1 around the cutting seat 103 for holding the sample holder 3. One of the core improvements of this invention is that two parallel resistor plates 1031 with precise linear resistance characteristics are fixed or embedded in the upper surface of the cutting seat 103 using insulating adhesive. The sample holder 3 can be placed in the mounting groove 104, and its upper surface has several parallel cutting grooves 301 evenly distributed along its length. The direction of these cutting grooves 301 is strictly parallel to the cutting edge of the cutting tool 404. An adjusting screw 302 is threadedly connected to the right side wall of the sample holder 3, and the left end of the adjusting screw 302 is rotatably connected to a top plate 303 via a deep groove ball bearing.

[0024] Another key improvement lies in the interior of the top plate 303. The top plate 303 has two vertical guide holes, each slidably connected to a sliding post 3031. The lower ends of the sliding posts 3031 are fixedly connected to a conductive plate 3032, and two conductive contacts 3033 are welded to the lower surface of the conductive plate 3032. A compression spring is provided between the sliding posts 3031 and the upper wall of the guide holes in the top plate 303. This spring forces the conductive plate 3032 and its conductive contacts 3033 to always have a downward tendency, thereby ensuring stable and good sliding electrical contact between the conductive contacts 3033 and the resistor sheet 1031 on the cutting seat 103 below. When the adjusting screw 302 is rotated to push the top plate 303 to the left to press against the sample, the conductive contacts 3033 slide synchronously on the resistor sheet 1031.

[0025] To achieve rapid and stable installation of the sample holder 3, this invention incorporates a mechanical locking mechanism. Two limiting holes 304 are machined on each of the left and right sides of the sample holder 3. Inside the slicer 1, corresponding to the positions of these four limiting holes 304, a limiting rod 601 is slidably mounted on each of them. The outer end of the limiting rod 601 is fixed to a limiting cover 6 slidably connected to the lower inner wall of the slicer 1 via a connecting rod 602. A support spring 603 is fitted onto the connecting rod 602, with both ends abutting against the limiting cover 6 and the inner wall of the slicer 1, respectively. Its elastic force pushes the limiting cover 6 and the limiting rods 601 toward the sample holder 3. In its natural state, the ends of the four limiting rods 601 automatically insert into the four limiting holes 304 of the sample holder 3 under the action of the spring force, thereby firmly locking the sample holder 3 within the mounting groove 104 and preventing any movement during the slicing process. When the sample holder 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned, simply slide the four limiting covers 6 outward (away from the sample holder) by hand to compress the support spring 603, and the limiting rod 601 can be pulled out from the limiting hole 304, thus easily removing the sample holder 3.

[0026] A control base 2 is installed on the lower inner wall of the slice holder 1, which integrates the core control circuit board. This control circuit includes a high-precision current detection module (or equivalently, a resistance detection module). The resistor 1031 is connected to the control circuit via a wire led out from the connecting post 1032 on its back, forming a complete series circuit with the conductive contact 3033, the conductive plate 3032, and the detection module. The total resistance of this circuit changes linearly with the position of the conductive contact 3033 on the resistor 1031. By monitoring the current in this circuit in real time or calculating the resistance value, the control circuit can accurately and continuously deduce the absolute displacement of the top plate 303. Since the displacement of the top plate 303 directly reflects its degree of compression (preload) on the sample, this system achieves quantitative monitoring of the sample fixation state.

[0027] Workflow: The operator places the sample holder containing the tissue paraffin block onto the sample holder 3. Then, the operator slides the four limiting covers 6 outwards to smoothly place the sample holder 3 into the mounting slot 104 of the slide holder 1, and then releases the limiting covers 6. Under the action of the support spring 603, the four limiting rods 601 automatically insert into the limiting holes 304 on the side wall of the sample holder 3, producing a crisp locking sound, achieving rapid and rigid fixation of the sample holder, providing a wobbly reference platform for subsequent precision operations. Rotating the adjusting screw 302 clockwise drives the top plate 303 to move smoothly to the left until the elastic protective pad on it contacts and moderately presses against the sample. During this process, the conductive contact 3033, which moves synchronously with the top plate 303, slides on the resistive element 1031 of the cutting seat 103. The current detection circuit in the control seat 2 monitors the resistance change of the adjustable resistance circuit composed of the resistive element 1031, conductive contact 3033, etc., in real time and linearly converts it into a high-precision digital displacement signal. This displacement signal precisely corresponds to the absolute position of the top plate 303 (i.e., the front end face where the sample is fixed) relative to the cutting seat 103. The control circuit records this position and sets it as the "initial cutting position" (or "Z-axis zero point") for this slicing, thus automatically completing the precise positioning of the cutting starting point while fixing the sample, completely replacing the traditional manual visual tool setting. The target slice thickness (e.g., 5μm) and the number of slices are set through the human-machine interface of the control seat 2. When the automatic slicing program is started, the control circuit first drives the sliding seat 4 to move to the left until it triggers the origin micro switch 503 on the limit plate 502, completing the "X-axis return to zero". Then, the control system calculates the theoretical coordinates of the first cut based on the calibrated "initial cutting position" and the preset slice thickness logic. It then drives a stepper motor via a ball screw to precisely move the sliding block 4 (and the cutting tool 404) to this coordinate point. The electric push rod 402 quickly extends, pushing the push plate 403 downwards along the guide post 401. The cutting tool 404 passes through the corresponding cutting groove 301 on the sample holder 3, completing a clean slice. The electric push rod 402 retracts, and the tool is lifted. Next, the stepper motor of the drive assembly 5 precisely rotates by a predetermined angle, driving the sliding block 4 to move to the right by a slice thickness (e.g., 5μm) via the ball screw, preparing for the next cut. This "positioning-cutting-lifting-feeding" cycle repeats until the set number of slices is completed or the sliding block 4 touches the limit microswitch 503 (travel protection) on the front plate 501.

[0028] Example 2: This embodiment provides an equivalent implementation of the core detection and locking functions. Its working principle is logically identical to that of Embodiment 1, with only some components differing in implementation: Replacement of the displacement detection component: The contact displacement sensor formed by the resistive element 1031 and the conductive contact 3033 can be replaced by a non-contact linear displacement sensor (such as a magnetic scale). The scale grating (fixed part) of this sensor is mounted on the cutting base 103, and the reading head (sliding part) is mounted on the top plate 303. When the top plate 303 moves to fix the sample, the reading head moves accordingly, and through non-contact sensing (such as photoelectric or magnetoelectric effects), it measures and outputs the absolute displacement signal of the top plate 303 to the control circuit in real time with high precision. This signal is also used to automatically calibrate the "initial cutting position." This method avoids contact wear and may have higher long-term accuracy and reliability.

[0029] Alternative to the locking mechanism: The manually sliding limit cover 6 can be replaced by a rotary-driven cam linkage mechanism. The operator rotates a handle or knob, which, via the cam, pushes all connecting rods 602 and limit rods 601 to move synchronously. Clockwise rotation pushes the limit rod 601 into the limit hole 304 to lock the sample holder 3; counterclockwise rotation pulls it out to unlock. This design provides greater operating torque and a more precise locking feel, making it particularly suitable for applications requiring higher locking force or frequent operation.

[0030] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pathology sample preparation using a slicing device, comprising a slicing rack (1), characterized in that: The slice rack (1) is provided with a C-shaped structure, the upper inner wall of the slice rack (1) is fixedly connected with a driving assembly (5), the output end of the driving assembly (5) is fixedly connected with a sliding seat (4), the lower side wall of the sliding seat (4) is fixedly connected with an electric push rod (402), the output end of the electric push rod (402) is fixedly connected with a push plate (403), and the lower end of the push plate (403) is provided with a cutting tool (404). The lower inner wall of the slice rack (1) is fixedly connected with a cutting seat (103), the upper side wall of the slice rack (1) is provided with a mounting groove (104) inside and outside the cutting seat (103), the inside of the mounting groove (104) is provided with a sample seat (3), the upper side wall of the sample seat (3) is uniformly provided with a plurality of cutting grooves (301), the cutting grooves (301) are parallel to the cutting tool (404), the right side wall of the sample seat (3) is threadedly connected with an adjusting screw rod (302), the left end of the adjusting screw rod (302) is rotatably connected with a top plate (303), and the lower inner wall of the slice rack (1) is provided with a control seat (2). The upper side wall of the cutting seat (103) is fixedly connected with two parallel resistance sheets (1031), the inside of the top plate (303) is slidably connected with two parallel sliding columns (3031), the lower end of the sliding column (3031) is fixedly connected with a conductive plate (3032), the lower side wall of the conductive plate (3032) is fixedly connected with two conductive contact pieces (3033), each conductive contact piece (3033) is matched with the conductive plate (3032), the inside of the slice rack (1) is slidably connected with four limiting rods (601), and the left side wall and the right side wall of the cutting seat (103) are each provided with two limiting holes (304).

2. The specimen preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The inside of the driving assembly (5) is provided with a stepping motor and a ball screw, the output end of the stepping motor is fixedly connected with the ball screw, and the ball screw is connected with the sliding seat (4) through a nut.

3. The biopsy sample preparation and slicing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The lower inner wall of the slice rack (1) is slidably connected with four limiting sliding covers (6), each limiting sliding cover (6) is connected with the limiting rod (601) through a connecting rod (602), and the side wall, away from the sample seat (3), of the limiting rod (601) is provided with a supporting spring (603).

4. The biopsy sample preparation and slicing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: Two groups of guide columns (401) are arranged between the sliding seat (4) and the push plate (403).

5. The sectioning device for preparing a sample for a pathology lab according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inside of the slice rack (1) is provided with a current detection circuit, the lower side wall of each resistance sheet (1031) is fixedly connected with a connecting column (1032), the connecting column (1032), the resistance sheet (1031), the conductive contact piece (3033) and the conductive plate (3032) are combined to form an adjustable resistance which is connected in series into the current detection circuit, the sliding distance of the top plate (303) is determined, and a spring is arranged between the sliding column (3031) and the top plate (303).

6. The specimen preparation device of claim 1, wherein: Two groups of slide rails (102) are mounted on the upper inner wall of the slice rack (1), and are in sliding connection with the sliding seat (4).

7. The biopsy sample preparation and slicing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: A limit plate (502) is fixedly connected to the lower side wall of the driving assembly (5), and a front plate (501) is fixedly connected to the right side wall of the driving assembly (5). Microswitches (503) are mounted on the right side wall of the limit plate (502) and the left side wall of the front plate (501), and are matched with the sliding seat (4).

8. The biopsy sample preparation and slicing apparatus of claim 1, wherein: A plurality of supporting bases (101) are fixedly connected to the lower side wall of the slice rack (1), and a shock pad is fixedly connected to the lower end of each supporting base (101).

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