Microscope Slide File Position Flag to Prevent Storage Void Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microscope slide storage systems, particularly in horizontal orientation, the removal of multiple slides creates voids that lead to instability and potential breakage of remaining slides due to gravity, as traditional slide index markers provide no physical support.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of brightly colored plastic microscope slide file position flag markers, available in various depths, which are inserted into the voids created by removed slides to prevent them from falling and breaking, and are designed to fit within both vertical and horizontal storage systems, including use in containers with integrated ribbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional slide index markers are used to mark removed slides, then the location of removed slides can be identified, but the remaining slides become unstable and may fall or break due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support block as an intermediary element that performs the dual function of maintaining structural support for remaining slides and indicating the location of removed slides. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing both mechanical stability and information tracking without requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical support to prevent slides from falling, serves as a location marker for removed slides, and maintains the structural integrity of the slide storage system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate index markers and support structures.
2Productivity
If multiple slides are removed for review, then patient care decisions can be made, but voids are created that cause remaining slides to become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The support block is designed in advance with predetermined depths corresponding to common numbers of slides removed (e.g., 1, 3, 5, 10 slides). This preliminary preparation allows for quick selection and insertion of the appropriate support block size without requiring measurement or calculation during the slide review process, maintaining high productivity while ensuring structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block comes in multiple depth parameters to accommodate different numbers of removed slides. By changing the depth parameter of the support block based on how many slides are removed, the system maintains optimal structural support for remaining slides while allowing flexible removal of varying quantities for review.
3Ease of operation
If slide storage systems use vertical orientation with rows of slides, then quick viewing of labels and easy access are achieved, but removal of slides creates gaps that cause remaining slides to fall or break
Solution Approach 1:
The support block serves as a mediator between the removed slides and the remaining slides, maintaining the structural relationship that prevents remaining slides from falling while allowing easy access to removed slides. The support block fills the void created by removal, preserving the structural integrity that enables easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support block is designed to be self-inserting and self-positioning within the slide storage system. Its shape and size are configured to automatically fit into the void created by removed slides, providing structural support without requiring additional adjustment or support structures, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A flag, or marker for identifying the locations of a plurality of microscope slides once removed from a microscope slide storage system. The invention comprises a rectangular cuboid body member having front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom surfaces which substantially approximates the shape of a predefined number of microscope slides, with a recessed area with grooves to accept one slide index marker card for recording the patient's case information, or other relevant information. When multiples of the present invention are used within a microscope slide storage system, they point to locations where pluralities of microscopes slides should be returned, and provides a support structure for neighboring microscope slides within the storage location from becoming askew or broken within the microscope slide storage system.