Microtome Universal Operating Element for One-Handed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microtomes require complex and cumbersome two-handed or sequential operation with multiple control elements, which limits ergonomic comfort and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A microtome design featuring a universal operating element that can be actuated as a slide/tilt, rotate, or push mode to control both vertical cutting and horizontal feed movements, allowing for one-handed operation with programmable control electronics and integrated mechanical or electronic handwheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple control elements are used for separate control of cutting movement and infeed movement, then precise control of each movement is achieved, but operational complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a universal control knob that can perform multiple functions: controlling both the cutting movement (first drive device) and infeed movement (second drive device), as well as adjusting feed speed and section thickness. This multi-functional control element eliminates the need for multiple separate controls, reducing operational time while maintaining precise control capabilities through programmable control electronics.
2Measurement precision
If multiple control elements are used for separate control of cutting movement and infeed movement, then precise control of each movement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple control functions into a single universal control knob that can operate in different modes (rotary mode for cutting movement, push mode for infeed movement, additional modes for feed speed and section thickness adjustment). This reduces the number of physical control elements while the programmable control electronics maintain the precision previously requiring multiple dedicated controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control of the first drive device (cutting movement) and second drive device (infeed movement) into a single control interface. The universal control knob integrates control functions for both drive devices, reducing the overall complexity of the control system while preserving precise control through software-based control electronics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two-handed operation is required for simultaneous control of multiple operating elements, then complete control of all functions is achieved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal control knob that can be operated with one hand to control all microtome functions including cutting movement, infeed movement, feed speed adjustment, and section thickness control. The control knob can be actuated in multiple modes (rotary, push, and combinations) allowing single-handed operation while maintaining complete control coverage previously requiring two hands.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A microtome is proposed comprising a knife holding device (20) for a cutting knife (18) and an object holding device (12) for an object to be thinly sliced, wherein the object holding device (12) has a first drive device (22) for performing a cutting movement (14) and the object holding device (12) or the knife holding device (20) has a second drive device (36) for performing a feed movement (16), comprising a mechanical handwheel and/or electronic handwheel by means of which the first drive device (22) can be manually actuated, wherein the first and the second drive devices (22, 36) are associated with control electronics (34) and an operating device (64) for the first and the second drive devices (22, 36).To enable ergonomic operation, the operating device (64) assigned to the control electronics (34) for the first and second drive units (22, 36) is provided to have an operating element (66) that can be operated as a universal operating element (66) in a sliding/tilting and rotating mode, or in a rotating and pushing mode, or in a sliding/tilting and pushing mode, or in a sliding/tilting, rotating and pushing mode, in order to control both the vertical cutting movement and the horizontal feed movement of the object holding device.