Freezing Microtome Sample Head Angle Adjustment and Real-Time Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current freezing microtomes face issues with rough sample head adjustment structures, difficulty in intuitively observing and adjusting the sample angle, and inadequate lighting design leading to poor sample clarity and inefficient slicing.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary device with a fine-adjustment assembly and illumination and magnification system, featuring a micrometer knob with an angle indicator and adjustable illumination, allowing precise sample head angle adjustment and enhanced sample visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rough construction of adjustment structure is used in the sample head, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of sample angle cannot be observed intuitively and the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to rust and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment structure is divided into multiple functional components: a micrometer knob for precise angle adjustment, a transmission mechanism (gear assembly or hinge) to convert rotational motion into angular movement, and a linkage member to connect these components to the sample head base. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an angle indicator as an intermediary element that visually displays the adjusted sample angle. This mediator component bridges the gap between the mechanical adjustment mechanism and the operator's observation, enabling intuitive monitoring of the sample angle without requiring complex display systems.
2Device complexity
If hand estimation is used for sample angle adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and productivity deteriorate due to difficulty in achieving accurate angles
Solution Approach 1:
The angle indicator provides real-time visual feedback to the operator about the current sample angle setting. This feedback mechanism enables precise angle adjustment by allowing the operator to observe the indicator and make corresponding adjustments to the micrometer knob, ensuring accurate angles are achieved reliably and efficiently.
3Device complexity
If lighting angle is not in the same plane as sample angle, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of sample display deteriorates resulting in darker samples and poor fine structure visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed with adjustable components that allow the lighting angle to be dynamically positioned in the same plane as the sample angle. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimal illumination of the sample surface, improving visibility of fine structures while maintaining system simplicity through flexible rather than fixed geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an auxiliary device for freezing microtome. The auxiliary device includes a sample head adjustment structure configured for adjusting an angle of a sample head of the freezing microtome, as well as an illumination and amplification system configured for illuminating and magnification a sample placed on the sample head. The sample head adjustment structure utilizes a micrometer knob with an angle indicator to adjust an angle of the sample head, a desired adjusted angle can be observed intuitively, thus solving a problem of a sample angle being difficult to adjust. The structure of the sample during slicing can be observed in real time by using the illumination and amplification system, and the improvement of slicing efficiency and quality are facilitated.