Laser Microdissection Receptacle Position Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In laser microdissection systems, dissectates are often lost due to the absence of a receptacle in the collection position, as the cutting process is initiated without verifying the presence of a receptacle.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a detector analyzes light emanating from the specimen to determine if a receptacle is in the predetermined collection position, and laser cutting is only initiated when the receptacle is confirmed to be present, using an illumination system and control unit to ensure accurate positioning and prevent dissectate loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cutting process is initiated without verifying receptacle presence, then the operation speed is improved, but dissectate loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoiddissectate loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a preliminary detection of the receptacle in the collection position before initiating the laser cutting process. The detector scans for the receptacle and the control unit verifies its presence and correct positioning before allowing the cutting operation to start, preventing dissectate loss while maintaining efficient workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detector continuously monitors the collection position for receptacle presence. The control unit receives signals from the detector and adjusts the cutting process accordingly, only initiating cutting when the receptacle is confirmed to be in the correct position, thus preventing loss while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If receptacle presence is verified before cutting, then dissectate loss is prevented, but the process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedissectate collection reliabilityVSAvoidprocess time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle detection is performed as a preliminary action before the cutting process begins. The detector scans for the receptacle and the control unit verifies its presence in advance, ensuring reliability of dissectate collection while the verification time is minimized by performing the check only when needed and using rapid detection methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification of the receptacle position automatically without requiring manual intervention. The detector and control unit independently verify the collection setup, reducing the time needed for verification compared to manual checking while ensuring reliable dissectate collection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual receptacle positioning is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidreceptacle positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical detection system. The detector uses optical signals to automatically identify and verify the receptacle's position, providing precise positioning accuracy without requiring complex mechanical positioning mechanisms or additional actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector acts as an intermediary between the user's manual positioning action and the cutting process. It verifies that the receptacle is correctly positioned without requiring the user to manually adjust or position it with high precision, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring accuracy through automated verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach ensures that the dissectate is collected reliably and automatically, preventing loss by verifying the receptacle's position before initiating the cutting process, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of laser microdissection.

Implementation Method 1

The specimen is illuminated by the illumination system. A detector detects light emanating from the specimen.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11085855B2Laser microdissection method and laser microdissection systems

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH

AI summary

A method for performing a laser microdissection for cutting a dissectate from a specimen using a laser includes the step of providing the specimen in a light path of an illumination system. The specimen is illuminated by the illumination system. A detector detects light emanating from the specimen. The light detected by the detector is analyzed. It is determined, based on the analysis of the light detected by the detector, whether a receptacle for collecting the dissectate is disposed in a predetermined collection position, at which the dissectate is to be collected in the receptacle after it is cut from the specimen. Laser cutting of the dissectate from the specimen is initiated based on it having been determined that the receptacle is in the predetermined collection position.