Reciprocating Microtome Drive With Surface Orientation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microtome systems face challenges in efficiently sectioning tissue samples due to manual alignment requirements and slow processing times, particularly when cutting thin sections, which can lead to inconsistencies and increased operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a microtome with a reciprocating drive system and surface orientation sensor assembly that autonomously senses and adjusts the sample's orientation relative to the cutting plane, combined with a control system that optimizes the movement speed and direction of the cutting mechanism, allowing for faster and more precise sectioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used for sample orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical sensing system. A surface orientation sensor assembly detects the sample surface orientation and sends signals to a control system, which automatically adjusts the cutting mechanism orientation. This substitution of mechanical manual alignment with sensor-based automated control resolves the contradiction by improving alignment accuracy while accepting increased device complexity through electronic automation.
2Manufacturing precision
If slow processing speed is used for cutting thin sections, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where surface orientation sensors continuously monitor sample orientation and provide real-time signals to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of cutting parameters during operation, allowing the system to maintain high precision sectioning consistency while operating at higher speeds. The feedback loop ensures that even at increased productivity, sectioning quality remains consistent through automatic compensation.
3Productivity
If automated control systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified automated control system. The control system performs coordinate transformation, cutting parameter optimization, and real-time orientation adjustment through integrated algorithms. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional control unit with standardized interfaces, the patent improves productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate dedicated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus having a sample sectioning device including a cutting mechanism that is operable to cut sections from a sample and a sample holder that is operable to hold the sample. The apparatus further includes a drive system coupled with the sample holder to drive movement of the sample holder and a reciprocating member coupled to the drive system to drive vertical movement of the drive system. The reciprocating member to move in a reciprocating manner within an angle of rotation of less than 180 degrees. A surface orientation sensor may further be provided that is operable to sense an orientation of a surface of the sample held by the sample holder.