Microtome Guide Rails as Electrical Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtomes face issues with electrical connections becoming contaminated with paraffin residues, leading to unreliable power supply and requiring frequent plugging and unplugging of connectors, which increases user manipulation and time loss.
Innovation Solution
A microtome design where the knife holder is mounted on guide rails connected to a power source via electrical contact surfaces, allowing for continuous adjustment and eliminating the need for external power connections by routing power through the guide rails, which can also function as electrical conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector plug is used to connect the electrical consumer to the power source, then the electrical connection can be established, but the connector plug becomes contaminated with paraffin residues leading to unreliable electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful connector plug that becomes contaminated with paraffin is removed from the system. Instead, the guide rails that are already present for mechanical support are utilized as electrical conductors, eliminating the contamination issue while maintaining electrical connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails serve dual functions: mechanical guidance/support for the knife holder and electrical conduction for power supply. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connector plugs and reduces the risk of contamination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the knife holder is exchangeable, then the cutting device can be adapted, but the power connector must be unplugged and plugged in again each time, resulting in additional manipulations and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical mounting function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integration. The guide rails provide both mechanical support for the exchangeable knife holder and continuous electrical power supply, so that knife changes do not require separate electrical connection manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection is established in advance through the guide rails before the knife holder is exchanged. This preliminary arrangement of power delivery through the rail system eliminates the need for re-plugging during knife changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional electrical functions are integrated into the cutting device, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical guidance, structural support, and electrical power delivery. This multi-functionality allows enhanced electrical capabilities without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail system automatically provides electrical power to the knife holder through continuous contact during movement and exchange. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual connector operations and reduces operational complexity.
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
Ensures automatic and reliable electrical connection to the cutting device, reducing user intervention and maintaining a compact design by integrating the power supply within the microtome, thus enhancing operational efficiency and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical consumer being provided on the cutting device and being electrically connected to a power source... the power source is connected to the electrical consumer via the arrangement of guide rails
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a microtome having a cutting device which is adjustably mounted on an arrangement of guide tracks, wherein at least one electrical load which is electrically connected to a current source is provided on the cutting device. According to the invention the current source is connected to the electrical load by means of the arrangement of guide tracks.