Automated Coverslipper With Wedge Nozzle For Large Format Slides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated coverslippers are unable to efficiently handle large format slides, often resulting in air bubble formation between the coverslip and the slide, and lack compatibility with multiple slide sizes, limiting their ability to process larger tissues such as human or animal brains and other organ tissues.
Innovation Solution
A coverslipper device with a unique mechanism that includes a wedge-shaped nozzle for uniform mountant medium dispensing, a multi-axis motion algorithm to prevent air pockets, and a custom-designed picker assembly with vacuum suction cups to handle large format slides of up to 150×200 mm, while also being adaptable to smaller sizes, ensuring accurate and bubble-free coverslipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current automated coverslippers are used for small slides, then coverslipping can be automated, but they cannot handle large format slides
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamically adjustable components including a movable slide support table with adjustable travel distance, variable nozzle positioning systems, and programmable motion algorithms that adapt to different slide formats (small, medium, large, and extra large), allowing the same device to handle multiple slide sizes without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The coverslipping device is designed as a universal system capable of processing all standard slide formats through programmable control algorithms and adjustable mechanical components, eliminating the need for separate devices for different slide sizes
2Reliability
If mountant medium is dispensed over the slide, then adhesive is applied to permanently attach coverslip, but air pockets form between coverslip and slide
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by precisely controlling the dispensing of mountant medium before coverslip placement, using wedge-shaped nozzles to create optimal adhesive distribution patterns that prevent air pocket formation during subsequent coverslip attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual coverslipping mechanics with an automated system using vacuum suction cups for precise coverslip placement, wedge-shaped nozzles for controlled mountant dispensing, and programmable motion control to eliminate the air pocket formation that occurs with manual techniques
3Manufacturing precision
If wedge-shaped nozzle is used for mountant dispensing, then uniform distribution is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric wedge-shaped nozzles with specific geometric profiles designed to distribute mountant medium uniformly across the slide surface. The wedge geometry creates natural flow patterns that ensure even adhesive distribution without requiring complex additional mechanisms
4Measurement precision
If vacuum suction cups are used to pick up coverslips, then precise placement is achieved, but handling large format slides requires increased force
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple vacuum suction cups distributed at different locations on the coverslip, with individually controllable suction forces. This allows precise local placement control while distributing the total force requirement across multiple contact points, making it feasible to handle both small and large format coverslips
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 device ensures zero or minimal air gaps and is capable of processing large format slides, maintaining compatibility with small, medium, and large formats, effectively addressing the limitations of existing coverslippers by providing a bubble-free and uniform coverslipping process.
Implementation Method 1
a custom-made centre pivoted picker plate is designed with multiple double bellow vacuum suction cups positioned at strategic places
Implementation Method 2
a mountant medium is dispensed via a wedge-shaped nozzle
Implementation Method 3
The vertical plate comprises pinion gears that rotate on a shaft connected to one side of the vertical plate. The first curved plate comprises a rack gear on top, where the pinion gear rotates over the rack gear.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing coverslipping includes multiple zones, where a coverslipper device is designated to move from one or more zones. An input zone comprises a slide tray, which comprises a stack of stained slides and a slide that is designated to be picked up by a slide pick-up platform. The picked-up slide reaches a dispensation zone and a mountant medium is dispensed via a nozzle and the slide pickup platform moves to a coverslipping zone. The coverslipper device picks the cover slips from a slip pick-up zone and moves to a coverslipping zone. The slide pick-up platform positions itself in the coverslipping zone while the picked coverslip is mounted over the slide. The processed cover slipped slide is transported by a slide conveyor and inserted into a slide tray, which is moved up and down and is positioned to accommodate the next processed slide.