Microtome Sample Holder Clamping Mechanism for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Placing microscopic samples on sample carriers after cutting is difficult due to manual handling challenges, especially in neurosciences and other fields where precise positioning is required for electron microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a clamping arrangement featuring upper and lower legs, actuated by an external force, allows easy insertion and secure clamping of sample carriers, and a loading station facilitates efficient loading, while a knife holder with a liquid reception box aids in positioning and securing samples on carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to place sample carriers, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sample holder as an intermediary device between the operator and the sample carrier. The holder includes a clamping arrangement with upper and lower legs that securely hold the sample carrier, eliminating the need for direct manual handling. This intermediary device provides both ease of operation through automated clamping and maintains positioning flexibility through adjustable holder positions.
2Ease of operation
If a clamping arrangement is introduced to hold the sample carrier, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping arrangement is segmented into distinct upper leg and lower leg components, each with specific functions. The upper leg provides clamping force while the lower leg supports the sample carrier. This segmentation allows for simplified design and easier manufacturing while maintaining effective clamping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arrangement is designed to automatically clamp and hold the sample carrier without requiring complex control mechanisms. The structure inherently provides the clamping function through its geometric configuration and material properties, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If multiple sample carriers are handled simultaneously, then productivity increases, but precision and reliability of positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple sample carriers simultaneously. The holder can accommodate multiple positions and configurations, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining precise positioning control for each carrier through standardized clamping mechanisms.
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
Enables easy and efficient placement of microscopic samples on carriers without manual handling, allowing for precise positioning and handling of multiple samples, enhancing the workflow in microtomy and electron microscopy.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the upper leg and the lower leg is configured as a leaf spring
Data Source
Figure 1a~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention essentially relates to a sample holder (300) for holding a sample carrier for carrying a microscopic sample, wherein the sample holder (300) comprises a clamping arrangement (302a, 302b, 302c) with an upper leg and a lower leg, configured to clamp the sample carrier between the upper leg and the lower leg, such that a part of the sample carrier is clamped between respective first ends of the upper leg and the lower leg, configured to be actuated by means of an external force such that the respective first ends of the upper leg and the lower leg are separated from each other for loading the sample carrier into the sample holder, and wherein the clamping arrangement ( 302a, 302b, 302c) is configured to exert a clamping force via the respective first ends of the upper leg and the lower leg to the sample carrier, in order to clamp the sample carrier between the upper leg and the lower leg, when the clamping arrangement is not actuated by means of an external force. The invention also relates to a loading station, a knife holder and corresponding methods.