Microtome Sample Holder with Automated Alignment and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of samples near the microtome blade poses a high risk of injury, as existing automated solutions do not adequately address the need for reliable and safe sample retention and alignment during sectioning.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a movable alignment component and dual actuatable retaining mechanisms, actuated by a single electrical drive system, allows for automated sample retention and alignment, ensuring secure immobilization and reducing the risk of injury through a spring-based mechanism that retains the sample and immobilizes the holder without relying on complex motor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of samples is performed near the microtome blade, then the sample can be positioned and adjusted, but the risk of injury to the user increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated actuation system. A single actuator controls both the retention mechanism (first actuatable retaining means) and the clamping subassembly (second actuatable retaining means) through a coordinated actuation sequence, eliminating the need for manual sample positioning near the blade while maintaining precise alignment capability.
2Extent of automation
If motorized alignment systems are used to align the sample, then automated positioning is achieved, but the self-locking of spindles is often insufficient to retain alignment during sectioning
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment component is aligned first, then the first actuatable retaining means is actuated to lock the alignment component relative to the basic body before sectioning begins. This preliminary locking action ensures that the alignment achieved through motorized positioning is reliably maintained during the sectioning operation, preventing any drift or movement.
3Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for sample retention and holder immobilization, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and control engineering requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample retention function (first actuatable retaining means) and the holder immobilization function (second actuatable retaining means) into a single integrated actuation system. One actuator controls both functions through a sequenced actuation process, reducing the number of independent control systems while maintaining reliable performance of both retention and immobilization functions.
4Extent of automation
If active spring mechanisms are used for retention, then automated control is possible, but in case of power failure the retention is discontinued causing potential damage and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to be passive rather than active, meaning it automatically provides retention force without requiring external power or control systems. The spring's mechanical properties ensure continuous retention of the sample and alignment component regardless of power availability, eliminating the hazard of retention loss during power failures while maintaining automated actuation capability when power is available.
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
The solution enables safe and automated sample handling, reducing the risk of injury by allowing for sequential retention and immobilization using a single actuation mechanism, ensuring alignment stability during sectioning and providing a backup for manual removal in case of power failure.
Implementation Method 1
a (preferably motor-actuated) passive spring mechanism is used, such that both retention of the sample in the sample holder and immobilization of the sample holder are brought about by spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A sample holder (100) of a microtome is described, including a basic body (110) and an alignment component (120). A first actuatable retainer (140) can be configured to permit a relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in an actuated state, and configured to inhibit the relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in a deactuated state. A clamping subassembly (130) can be arranged on the alignment component (120), and comprise two clamping components (131, 132). A second actuatable retainer (180) can be configured to open the clamping subassembly (130) in an actuated state, and configured to close the clamping subassembly (130) in a deactuated state. An actuation mechanism can be configured to respectively actuate and deactuate the first actuatable retainer (140) and the second actuatable retainer (180).