Rotary Microtome Cutting Stroke Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary microtomes with fixed cutting stroke lengths are inefficient and detrimental to sectioning quality and ergonomics, especially when handling specimens of varying sizes, as they require cumbersome adjustments and compromise on cutting speed and throughput.

Innovation Solution

A rotary microtome with a steplessly adjustable cutting stroke length and synchronized compensation weight adjustment, accessible without tools or locking the drive parts, using a mechanically acting control element or electromotorized means for ergonomic and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting stroke length is increased to accommodate larger specimens, then the ability to handle macro-cassettes is improved, but the sectioning quality and cutting speed deteriorate for the majority of smaller specimens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different specimen sizesVSAvoidsectioning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable cutting stroke length through a mechanism that allows the crank pin to be repositioned along its circular path. This enables the microtome to adapt the cutting stroke length to match the specific specimen size being processed, thereby maintaining optimal sectioning quality across different specimen types without requiring a permanently increased stroke length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of cutting stroke length by adjusting the position of the crank pin on its circular trajectory. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize performance for different specimen sizes, resolving the contradiction between handling capability and sectioning quality by making the stroke length variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting stroke length is increased to accommodate larger specimens, then the ability to handle macro-cassettes is improved, but the cutting speed and throughput deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different specimen sizesVSAvoidcutting speed and throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamically adjustable crank pin position allows the cutting stroke length to be optimized for each specimen type. When processing smaller specimens, the stroke length can be reduced to increase cutting speed and throughput, while still maintaining the capability to handle larger specimens when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the stroke length parameter through crank pin repositioning, the system can achieve higher cutting speeds for smaller specimens while retaining the ability to process larger specimens, thus improving overall productivity without sacrificing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a fixed cutting stroke length is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different specimen sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidability to handle different specimen sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the cutting stroke length to be modified by repositioning the crank pin. This adds adaptability to handle different specimen sizes while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of a straightforward mechanical adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the cutting stroke length is adjusted frequently, then the adaptability to different specimen sizes is improved, but the loss of time for adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different specimen sizesVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-friendly and self-contained, allowing operators to quickly reposition the crank pin without requiring complex procedures or additional tools. This self-service capability minimizes adjustment time while maintaining the ability to adapt to different specimen sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9606026B2Cutting stroke adjustment of a rotary microtome

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 MICROM INT

AI summary

A rotary microtome (1) for producing thin sections for histology is used for specimens (6) of different sizes. To maintain optimized cutting conditions, an adaptation to different specimen sizes is required without incurring disadvantages in terms of operation. An adjustment possibility is provided for the length of the vertical cutting movement (10). However, the moment that is generated by the vertical carriage (7) and that acts on the drive shaft (12) then changes. To maintain balanced moments of the drive movement, the counterweight has to be accordingly adapted by an adjustment weight (31). For this purpose, means are provided which, in an ergonomic and effective manner, permit the adjustment of the cutting stroke and also the necessary adaptation of the counterweights in one operation step. The rotary microtome according to the invention is suitable in particular in a histological routine in which mixed specimens are present in standard cassettes and also in macro-cassettes and in which, therefore, a rapid change of the cutting stroke length is desired along with good balance of the drive movement.