Spring-Loaded Blade Pusher for Microtome Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of changing blades in microtomes is laborious, time-consuming, and dangerous for users, as it requires manual handling and handling of dull blades.
Innovation Solution
A blade changing system that includes a blade load mechanism with a blade supply container and pusher, and a blade unload mechanism with a blade attractor and disposal container, both utilizing guide rails and electric motors to automate the loading and unloading of blades, reducing user interaction and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual blade changing is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is low and safety is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The blade holder is designed to automatically push blades out of the supply container and into the holder using a spring-loaded pushing member. The system serves itself by utilizing the spring's stored energy to perform the blade transfer action without requiring external actuators or complex control systems, thus improving productivity while keeping device complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
Blades are pre-loaded into the supply container in advance. The spring-loaded pushing member is pre-loaded with potential energy. When blade changing is needed, the pre-positioned blades and pre-charged spring enable rapid automated transfer, eliminating the need for manual handling and improving blade changing speed.
2Reliability
If manual blade handling is used, then device complexity is low, but safety is poor due to direct user interaction with blades
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pushing member automatically performs the blade transfer action, eliminating the need for users to manually handle blades. The system uses its own internal spring mechanism to push blades from the supply container into the holder, ensuring user safety while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pushing member acts as an intermediary between the blade supply container and the blade holder. It mediates the blade transfer process by mechanically pushing blades through the access opening, thereby eliminating direct user contact with blades and improving safety without requiring complex automated systems.
3Productivity
If automated blade loading is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade loading mechanism uses a spring-loaded pushing member that automatically propels blades from the supply container into the holder. The spring stores potential energy when the container is loaded with blades, and this stored energy automatically drives the blade transfer process, achieving automated loading without complex motors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply container is pre-loaded with multiple blades, and the spring mechanism is pre-charged with potential energy. When a blade is needed, the pre-positioned blade and pre-loaded spring enable immediate automated transfer, improving blade loading efficiency while keeping the mechanism simple.
4Productivity
If manual blade release is used, then device complexity is low, but productivity is low due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of releasing and pushing blades is replaced with a spring-loaded mechanical system. The spring-loaded pushing member automatically performs the blade ejection action when the supply container is removed from the holder, rapidly transferring blades to the disposal container without requiring user manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade unloading process occurs periodically when the supply container is removed from the holder. The spring-loaded mechanism is reset each time a new container is installed, creating a periodic automated cycle that rapidly transfers blades without manual intervention, improving unloading speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a blade load mechanism for a blade holder of a microtome. The blade holder has a base defining a blade receptacle configured to receive a blade, the blade load mechanism includes a blade supply container configured to contain a blade therein, the blade supply container defining a removal opening through which the blade is able to be removed from the blade supply container, and a blade access slot through an outer wall of the blade supply container in a length direction of the blade; and a blade pusher configured to engage with the blade through the blade access slot and slide along the blade access slot to push the blade out of the blade supply container through the removal opening, and deliver the blade into the blade receptacle. The present disclosure further provides a blade unload mechanism and a blade changing system.