Illuminated Microtome Holder With Self-Powered LED Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtomes lack effective illumination systems for paraffin blocks during slicing operations, making it difficult to accurately align and highlight tissue characteristics, and there is a need for power generation methods suitable for manual microtomes.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a light source, such as LEDs, within the microtome holder to illuminate the paraffin block from the backside or side, with adjustable brightness and color control, and a generator that converts mechanical or solar energy into electrical energy to power the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source is integrated into the microtome holder to illuminate the paraffin block, then slicing accuracy and alignment are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated within the microtome holder structure, with the LED mounted in a cavity formed in the sample receiving portion of the holder. This nesting approach allows the illumination system to be incorporated without adding external components, thereby improving slicing accuracy while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination function is merged with the holder structure by integrating the light source, circuitry, and power storage into the holder itself. The holder simultaneously provides mechanical support for the paraffin block and optical illumination, reducing the need for separate illumination devices and minimizing overall system complexity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is added to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for powering the light source, then energy self-sufficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microtome holder is equipped with a generator that converts mechanical energy from the user's manual operation into electrical energy, and a capacitor that stores this energy for powering the light source. This self-service approach allows the illumination system to be powered by the user's own operational movements, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries while maintaining energy self-sufficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical power generation system replaces traditional mechanical or chemical power sources. Instead of using a motorized drive system or replaceable batteries, the patent employs a generator-c capacitor system that directly converts the mechanical energy already present in the manual microtome operation into electrical energy, substituting a regenerative energy conversion mechanism for conventional power supply methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple colored LEDs with intensity control are implemented, then versatility and sample characteristic highlighting are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system incorporates multiple LEDs of different colors (red, green, blue, white) with independent intensity control through individual resistors and circuitry. This dynamic configuration allows the user to adjust the color composition and brightness of each LED to optimize contrast and visibility for different tissue sample characteristics, providing adaptability while managing complexity through modular circuit design.
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
Enhances slicing accuracy by illuminating the paraffin block, allowing better alignment and highlighting of tissue features, while providing a sustainable power source for manual microtomes.
Implementation Method 1
the light source includes a light emitting diode (LED) chip
Implementation Method 2
a generator that converts mechanical or solar energy into electrical energy to power the light source
Implementation Method 3
The generator may include a solar panel mounted to an external housing of the microtome
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention is generally directed to a microtome, including, for example, a microtome chuck having a light source, a generator, a storage system and/or a waste removal assembly.