Microtome Blade Guard With Integrated Alignment Staff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtome devices face challenges in accurately aligning and securely holding blades during the sectioning process, which can lead to inefficient cutting and potential user safety hazards due to the lack of effective blade protection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A microtome blade guard system with a staff and lateral support member is introduced, allowing for secure blade alignment and protection. The system includes a staff that can engage the blade magnetically and move laterally within a support structure, enabling precise blade positioning and protection from accidental contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blade guard is used to protect the blade, then user safety is improved, but blade alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blade guard is divided into separate arms (first arm and second arm) that can be positioned independently on either side of the blade slot, allowing the guard structure to be segmented in a way that protects the blade while leaving the alignment path clear
Solution Approach 2:
A lateral support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the blade guard arms and the blade slot, providing structural support for alignment while maintaining the protective function of the guard
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex blade alignment device is added, then blade alignment precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The blade alignment function is merged with the existing blade guard structure, combining two functions (protection and alignment) into a single integrated component rather than adding a separate alignment device
Solution Approach 2:
The blade guard is designed to serve multiple functions: protecting the blade from accidental contact and providing alignment guidance through its arms and lateral support member, making the structure universal rather than single-purpose
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 solution enhances blade alignment precision and user safety by ensuring the blade is securely positioned and protected, facilitating consistent and accurate sectioning of tissue samples while preventing accidental contact.
Implementation Method 1
The system includes a staff that can engage the blade magnetically
Data Source
AI summary
A microtome blade guard including a first arm operable to be coupled to a first side of a cutting mechanism of a microtome; a second arm operable to be coupled to a second side of a cutting mechanism; a lateral support member disposed between the first arm and the second arm; and a staff coupled to the lateral support member and operable to extend therefrom to engage a blade positioned in the blade slot. A microtome including a blade guard and a method including placing a blade in a blade slot of a blade block of a microtome; engaging the blade with a staff coupled to a blade guard that is coupled to the blade block; and moving the blade with the staff.