Microtome Section Isolation via Adjustable Air Stream
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual separation of histological sections from section strips during microtome operations is labor-intensive and requires skill to avoid damaging the sections, as existing methods rely on manual forceps or paintbrushes, leading to inefficiencies and potential section damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a nozzle device that uses an adjustable air stream to separate histological sections from the blade holder, allowing for automated separation by adjusting the direction and intensity of the air stream based on section thickness, embedding medium properties, and other parameters, which can be manually or automatically controlled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual separation using forceps or paintbrush is used, then the operator can control the separation process, but the operation is labor-intensive and requires high skill to avoid damaging sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical separation system (forceps, paintbrush) with an automated pneumatic system. A nozzle device directs an air stream to automatically separate histological sections from the blade holder, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and reducing operator skill requirements while maintaining section integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using an air stream generated through a nozzle device to separate histological sections. The air flow provides a controlled, non-contact force that detaches sections from the blade holder without mechanical contact, thereby avoiding damage while automating the separation process.
2Productivity
If manual separation is used, then the operator can adapt to different section conditions, but the process is time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual mechanical operations with an automated pneumatic system that continuously separates sections as they are produced. The nozzle device is positioned to automatically direct air streams at the appropriate moment, eliminating idle time and manual manipulation steps, thereby increasing productivity and reducing isolation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous separation action by positioning the nozzle device to automatically separate sections immediately after they are produced and transferred to the blade holder. This continuous pneumatic action eliminates interruptions and manual handling time, maintaining steady workflow and improving overall productivity.
3Reliability
If air stream intensity is increased to improve separation effectiveness, then separation becomes more reliable, but the risk of damaging sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the air stream characteristics (intensity, direction, duration) to optimize separation effectiveness while minimizing damage risk. The nozzle device allows precise control over air flow parameters, enabling the operator to use sufficient force for reliable separation without exceeding the threshold that would damage the sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs local quality by directing the air stream specifically at the connection points between sections and the blade holder, rather than applying force uniformly. The nozzle device can be positioned to target specific locations, concentrating the air flow energy where it is needed for separation while avoiding excessive force on fragile section areas.
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
This solution simplifies the isolation process, reduces the risk of section damage, and enables automated separation, improving efficiency and consistency in producing high-quality histological sections for further processing.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle device (10) with which a histological section (2, 3) positioned on the blade holder (11) can be impinged upon by an air stream (12)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for isolating histological sections produced with a microtome and a microtome are suggested. A previously and currently produced histological section are connected to form a section strip. In order to simplify isolating the previously and currently produced histological sections from each other a nozzle device is provided by means of which the histological sections when positioned on a blade holder are subjected to an air stream of adjusted direction and intensity so that the previously produced histological section of the section strip is separated from the currently produced histological section that is positioned on the blade holder and is removed from the blade holder.