Automatic Coverslipper With UV Curing for Leak-Free Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for applying coverslips on microscope slides using liquid mounting media result in prolonged curing times, which can lead to leakage and contamination of optical components during slide scanning, necessitating delayed imaging.

Innovation Solution

An automatic coverslipper system using a light-curable adhesive and UV-curing mechanism to rapidly bond a coverslip to the slide, reducing curing time from days to minutes, and incorporating a dual-nozzle applicator for precise application of adhesive and mounting medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional liquid mounting medium is used to adhere the coverslip to the microscope slide, then the specimen can be protected and mounted for long-term storage, but the curing time takes several days during which the mounting medium remains liquid and may leak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen protection and mounting stabilityVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the mounting medium by using a light-curable adhesive instead of traditional slow-curing liquid mounting media. This parameter change transforms the curing process from taking several days to completing in minutes when exposed to appropriate curing light, directly resolving the time loss issue while maintaining reliable specimen protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the light-curable adhesive from liquid state to cured solid state through light exposure. This phase transition occurs rapidly and completely, eliminating the prolonged liquid state that causes leakage in traditional mounting media, thus solving both the time loss and reliability concerns simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Productivity

If the microscope slide is scanned before the mounting medium completely cures, then imaging time is reduced, but the still liquid mounting medium may leak and contaminate the objective of the slide scanner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidcontamination of optical components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by completely curing the light-curable adhesive before the scanning process begins. The curing step is performed as a preliminary treatment that transforms the mounting medium into a solid state, preventing any potential leakage during scanning. This allows immediate imaging without contamination risk, achieving both high productivity and elimination of harmful factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/chemical curing process with an optical curing mechanism. By using light to cure the adhesive, the system achieves rapid and complete curing without the prolonged liquid state associated with traditional mounting media, enabling immediate safe scanning and imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If a light-curable adhesive is used as the mounting medium, then the curing time is reduced from days to minutes, but additional equipment components (reservoir, curing light source) are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuring timeVSAvoidsystem components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into an integrated coverslipping system. The device combines the reservoir for light-curable adhesive, the application mechanism, and the curing light source into a single unified system. This integration allows the rapid curing process to be implemented without requiring separate standalone equipment, thereby reducing the practical impact of added complexity while achieving dramatic time reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates immediate imaging of covered slides without contamination risks, ensuring rapid bonding and durable storage, while preventing leakage of uncured mounting medium.

Implementation Method 1

a curing light source configured to emit curing light for curing the light-curable adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4621471A1Automatic coverslipper and method for automatically applying a coverslip

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 LEICA BIOSYSTEMS NUSSLOCH GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2

AI summary

An automatic coverslipper (100) comprises a receiving position (116) configured to receive a microscope slide (108), the microscope slide (108) having a mounting area (106) for arranging a thin section (104) thereon. The automatic coverslipper (100) also comprises a reservoir (118) configured to store a light-curable adhesive, and a liquid applicator (122) configured to apply the light-curable adhesive to at least part of the mounting area (106). The automatic coverslipper (100) further comprises a coverslip applicator (132) configured to apply the coverslip (102) to the mounting area (106), and a curing light source (136) configured to emit curing light for curing the light-curable adhesive.