Microscope Slide Holding Device with Gravity Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscope slide holders require significant effort for inserting and withdrawing slides and are not flexible enough to accommodate slides of different dimensions, limiting their use in automated processes like staining and cover glass placement.
Innovation Solution
A holding device featuring an elongated hanger with clamping means that allows microscope slides to be clamped at their upper end, enabling them to hang in a plane and be easily released, along with a loading rack that supports slides in a common plane, facilitating flexible and efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frame with individual clamps is used to hold microscope slides, then the slides can be retained in a structured arrangement, but the insertion and withdrawal process requires significant manual effort and is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into modular components: a frame structure and detachable clamping means. Each clamp can independently engage with slides, allowing selective operation. The clamping means can be detached from the frame, enabling bulk removal of multiple slides at once without manually manipulating each individual clamp.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means is extracted as a separate functional element from the frame. This allows the clamping mechanism to be removed and operated independently, simplifying the process of releasing multiple slides simultaneously. The clamping means can be taken out for cleaning, maintenance, or replacement without affecting the frame structure.
2Reliability
If a frame with individual clamps is used to hold microscope slides, then the slides can be retained in a structured arrangement, but the overall construction is complex and not flexible for different slide dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed as a universal structure that can accommodate various slide dimensions and configurations. The standardized mounting holes and adjustable clamping means allow the same frame to hold different numbers and sizes of slides. The frame can serve multiple functions: holding slides for examination, facilitating automated processing, and accommodating various tissue specimen preparations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means incorporates movable and adjustable elements that can adapt to different slide dimensions. The clamps can be positioned at various locations along the frame and adjusted to accommodate different slide sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple specialized frames for different slide types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of microscope slides is used in staining and cover glass placement, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and reagent liquid transfer is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the microscope slides during automated processing. It provides a standardized interface that enables automated staining apparatuses and cover glass placement devices to handle slides without direct manual manipulation. The device mediates the transition from manual to automated processing, maintaining flexibility while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed to facilitate self-service automated processing. The standardized mounting and clamping mechanism allows automated systems to independently load, process, and unload slides without human intervention. The device enables the staining and cover glass placement processes to serve themselves through automated mechanisms, reducing manual handling and increasing productivity.
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
The device simplifies the handling of microscope slides, reduces manual effort, and allows for the use of slides with varying dimensions, minimizing reagent liquid transfer and enabling automated processes like staining and cover glass placement without manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated hanger (1) having a clamping means (3, 6) for releasable clamping of microscope slides (12) in a hanging position with the surfaces in said plane
Implementation Method 2
by release from the clamping means being free to fall from the hanger because of their own weight
Implementation Method 3
the clamping means is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack having a supporting surface for the support of the current microscope slides in said plane, the hanger being able to be introduced in the rack so that the clamping means simultaneously clamps all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device for retaining a number of microscope slides with tissue specimens, wherein the surfaces of the slides in retained position are located in a common plane. The holding device has an elongated hanger with a clamp for releasably clamping the microscope slides in a hanging position with the surfaces of the slides in the common plane. The microscope slides are clamped at their upper end and are free to fall from their own weight from the hanger by release from the clamp. The clamp preferably is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack having a supporting surface for support of the microscope slides, in which the hanger can be introduced into the rack and the clamp can be actuated so that all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface are clamped in the holding device.