Guide Member Positioning for Precise Observation Specimen Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen preparation methods lack the ability to accurately adjust the fixing position of observation objects on light transmissive plates, which is crucial for effective microscopic observation.

Innovation Solution

A specimen preparation device equipped with a guide member that guides the observation object to a predetermined position on a light transmissive plate, utilizing a plurality of holding means, moving means, and control means to identify and control the guide member for precise specimen preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a guide member is attached to each holding unit to enable identification and precise positioning, then manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member includes a recognition portion that creates a detectable pattern (copy of positioning information) which can be read by the recognition unit. This allows the system to identify the type of guide member and adjust positioning parameters without complex mechanical interfaces, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives recognition results from the recognition unit about the guide member type and automatically adjusts the positioning parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise positioning for different observation object types without manual intervention, improving manufacturing precision while keeping the operation simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holding units with different guide members are used to accommodate various observation object types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different types of guide members through the attachment mechanism. The recognition portion on each guide member allows the control unit to identify the specific type and adjust parameters automatically, enabling one holding unit structure to serve multiple functions for different observation objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically identifies the guide member type through the recognition portion and self-adjusts the positioning parameters without requiring manual configuration. This self-service capability allows the device to adapt to different observation object types while keeping the operation interface simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic recognition and control based on guide member identification is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual positioning and parameter adjustment with an automatic recognition and control system. The recognition unit reads the recognition portion on the guide member, and the control unit automatically sets the appropriate parameters, eliminating manual intervention and significantly improving preparation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20260104430A1Specimen preparation device and guide member
Publication Date: 2026.04.16 HIRATA CORPORATION
  • US20260104430A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104430A1 patent drawing
  • US20260104430A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A specimen preparation device configured to prepare an observation specimen by providing an observation object placed in a liquid reservoir formed on a light transmissive plate to the plate while guiding the observation object to a predetermined position by a guide member, the specimen preparation device comprising a plurality of holding means, each configured to be able to hold the plate, the guide member being attachable to each holding means, moving means configured to be able to sequentially move the plurality of holding means to a providing position for providing the observation object, and control means configured to identify the guide member attached to each holding means at an identification position and perform control for preparing the observation specimen on a basis of a result of the identification.