Microtome Combined Actuating Device for Trimming and Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microtomes require complex and cumbersome actuation mechanisms for adjusting the trimming device and activating/deactivating retraction, which complicates operation and increases noise and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A combined actuating device with a rotary mechanism for retraction activation/deactivation and a pressing mechanism for trimming adjustment, allowing single-handed operation and a compact, space-saving design, featuring a shaft connected to a sliding element for translational movement and a pressing element with adjustable depth for different trim values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate actuating devices are used for trimming adjustment and retraction activation, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and number of actuating elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function controlVSAvoidnumber of actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the trimming adjustment function and retraction activation function into a single integrated actuating device. The actuating device includes a first actuating element for trimming adjustment and a second actuating element for retraction activation, both integrated into one unified mechanism that reduces the overall number of separate actuators while maintaining independent control capability for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated actuating device serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can adjust the trimming feed distance and activate/deactivate retraction movement through a unified structure. This multi-functional design allows one actuating device to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated actuators for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple separate actuating devices are used, then each function has dedicated control, but the space requirements and overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated function controlVSAvoidspace for actuating elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the trimming adjustment mechanism and retraction activation mechanism into a single integrated actuating device, the patent significantly reduces the space required for housing multiple separate actuators. The integrated design consolidates control elements and mechanical components into one compact unit that occupies less space than multiple distributed actuators would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex actuating mechanisms are used for precise control, then adjustment precision is improved, but the noise during operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecut thickness control precisionVSAvoidoperational noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical actuating mechanisms with an integrated design that uses coordinated control elements rather than multiple independent mechanical actuators. This integration reduces mechanical complexity, fewer moving parts, and consequently reduces operational noise while maintaining the precision required for accurate trimming adjustment and retraction control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuating elements are distributed throughout the device, then each function can be accessed independently, but the overall device becomes more cumbersome and harder to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent function accessVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple actuating elements into a single integrated actuating device that provides centralized control. Instead of having trimming adjustment and retraction activation distributed at different locations, both functions are accessible through one unified actuating mechanism, making the device less cumbersome and easier to operate while maintaining the ability to control each function independently through its respective actuating element within the integrated device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3807614B1Microtome

Publication Date: 2024.05.01 PFM MEDICAL AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a microtome, in particular a rotary microtome (1), comprising a micrometer mechanism (3) having a drive (2) for producing a relative movement between an object holder (4) and a blade and a positioning device acting on the micrometer mechanism (3) to influence the relative movement, the positioning device comprising an advancing device (6) and a trimming device (7) interacting with the advancing device (6), said microtome being designed and modified with regard to a simple and reliable adjustment of the trimming device (7) as well as activation/deactivation of a retraction by structurally simple means in such a way that the positioning device has a combined actuating device (8) for both an adjustment of the trimming device (7) and also an activation/deactivation of a retraction which can be carried out by means of the advancing device (6).