Fixed Reference Edge for Slide Loading and Unloading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional digital slide scanners often damage glass slides during loading and unloading from the scanning stage due to inadequate handling, which is a significant issue in the field of digital pathology where glass slides are fragile and valuable.

Innovation Solution

A fixed reference edge system with a push/pull assembly is introduced to guide glass slides from a slide rack onto the scanning stage and back into the rack, using a push bar to load and a pull bar to unload, with a reference edge preventing yaw rotation to ensure safe handling and minimize damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional slide handling mechanisms are used, then the scanning process can be automated, but glass slides are damaged during loading and unloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of slide loading and unloadingVSAvoiddamage to glass slides

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fixed reference edge is introduced as an intermediary element between the slide rack and scanning stage. This reference edge serves as a mediator that guides the glass slide during transfer, ensuring proper alignment and preventing uncontrolled movement that causes damage. The reference edge acts as a physical guide that mediates the interaction between handling mechanisms and fragile slides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning actions by using the fixed reference edge to pre-align the glass slide before it fully enters the scanning stage or slide rack. This preliminary guidance ensures that slides are correctly oriented and positioned during the transfer process, preventing damage before it can occur during main handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If slides are handled without guidance, then the handling process is simpler, but slide orientation and positioning are inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of slide handlingVSAvoidpositioning precision of glass slide

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed reference edge serves as a simple yet effective intermediary that provides guidance without complicating the handling mechanism. It is a passive structural element that automatically guides slides through its physical presence, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise positioning and orientation during slide transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11415790B2Fixed reference edge system for slide loading and unloading

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 LEICA BIOSYSTEMS IMAGING INC

AI summary

A fixed reference edge system that guides a glass slide from a slot of a slide rack onto a scanning stage and guides the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. In an embodiment, the fixed reference edge has a first side that is parallel to a side of the slot of the slide rack. The system comprises an assembly that includes a push bar configured to push the slide from the slot onto the scanning stage, and a pull bar configured to pull the slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. When the slide is pulled into the slide rack, the long edge of the slide is pressed against the first side of the fixed reference edge to maintain a parallel orientation between the slide and the slot of the slide rack.