Microtome Clipping Suction Device with Vacuum Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtomes, particularly rotary microtomes, face challenges with collecting and disposing of large quantities of embedding medium clippings, as conventional clipping trays are often too small and laborious to empty and clean.
Innovation Solution
A device with a connecting element for attachment to the microtome, featuring a collecting tray with a suction opening for automated clipping removal, a suction device with adjustable vacuum, and a detachable suction hose for easy maintenance, along with a height-adjustable laboratory table for ergonomic working.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional clipping trays are used to collect clippings, then the collection capacity is limited, but the frequency of emptying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a suction device with a suction hose connected to a vacuum source to automatically remove clippings from the collection tray. The suction opening positioned at the front edge of the tray allows continuous or periodic extraction of accumulated clippings, resolving the contradiction between limited tray capacity and frequent emptying requirements.
2Ease of operation
If manual emptying of clipping trays is performed, then the collection tray can be reused, but the microtome operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device enables self-service automatic emptying of the collection tray without requiring manual intervention. The system can operate continuously or periodically to remove clippings, allowing the microtome to maintain uninterrupted operation while the tray is automatically cleaned through the suction opening.
3Reliability
If a fixed suction hose is used, then the connection is stable, but maintenance and fault rectification are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hose is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the collection tray via the suction opening. This segmentation allows the hose to be easily removed for maintenance, cleaning, or fault rectification while maintaining a stable connection during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of repair.
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 simplifies clipping disposal by automating the cleaning process, reducing manual intervention and allowing continuous operation of the microtome, while providing an ergonomic and easy-to-clean workstation.
Implementation Method 1
The suction device can have a pump that generates a sufficiently high vacuum to be able to suck in the clippings
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting and sucking off clippings, in particular embedding medium, for example paraffin, on a microtome (1), in particular a rotary microtome, having at least one connecting element (12) for form-fitting and/or force-fitting attachment to the microtome (1) and a collecting tray (3) forming a collecting area, wherein an suction opening (4) for sucking off the clippings is formed on the collecting tray (3). Furthermore, a system with such a device, a microtome (1) and a work table (2) is disclosed.