Coverslipping Module Movable Orientation Jaws Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverslipping technologies face challenges in accurately and efficiently aligning specimen slides with coverslips, leading to potential damage and increased processing time, with existing solutions either relying on coordinated component dimensions or sensor-adjusted alignments that do not allow for correction of misalignments.
Innovation Solution
A coverslipping module utilizing movable orientation jaws to align specimen slides by grasping them on their long sides, allowing for precise and reproducible positioning, combined with a transport apparatus that uses a C-shaped bracket for secure guidance and vertical movement of the rack receptacle to optimize the coverslipping process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor units and adjusting screws are used to align specimen slides, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation jaws are designed to automatically self-align with the specimen slide edges through mechanical contact, eliminating the need for external sensors and adjusting mechanisms. The jaws close onto the slide edges and naturally position themselves, achieving alignment without complex detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the sensor unit and adjusting screw components from the alignment system, extracting only the essential mechanical orientation jaws that directly contact and position the specimen slide, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If sensor units and adjusting screws are used to align specimen slides, then alignment accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation jaws are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the specimen slide edges as the slide is inserted, performing the alignment action immediately without requiring separate detection and adjustment steps that would consume time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical orientation system performs alignment automatically through direct contact and natural positioning, eliminating the time-consuming sequence of sensor detection followed by mechanical adjustment that characterizes conventional systems.
3Measurement precision
If coordinated component dimensions are used for alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation jaws are designed with movable, spring-loaded mechanisms that can adapt to slight variations in specimen slide dimensions and tolerances, providing consistent alignment across different slide types without requiring precise coordination of all component dimensions.
4Productivity
If movable orientation jaws are used for alignment, then processing time is reduced, but alignment reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Spring-loaded mechanisms are incorporated into the orientation jaws to provide cushioning and compensation for variations in specimen slide positioning, ensuring reliable and reproducible alignment even with the simplified rapid-action design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a coverslipping module for mounting coverslips onto specimen slides (12) for microscopic investigations, having a transport apparatus (9) for transporting a specimen slide (12) out of a rack (3) or a specimen slide holder to a coverslipping position (13) in which the specimen slide (12) is equipped with a coverslip, and having an alignment device for aligning the specimen slide (12) in the coverslipping position (13) for mounting the coverslip. In order to allow the specimen slide (12) to be reliably and quickly aligned for mounting of the coverslips, thereby ensuring a high level of process dependability with a short processing time, the alignment device are constituted by multiple movable orientation jaws (18) which are arranged so that by closure of the orientation jaws (18), the specimen slide (12) becomes aligned in the coverslipping position (13).