Microtomy Controller Integrating Slide Dryer and Water Bath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microtomy systems face challenges in efficiently drying specimen slides after section transfer, leading to imaging artifacts and section slippage due to residual water, which limits the precision and accuracy of tissue analysis.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory base system with integrated heating elements, pressure sensors, and temperature control, allowing for flexible configuration with slide dryers, water baths, and ovens to manage fluid and heat effectively, ensuring precise drying and efficient sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional drying methods are used after section transfer, then the drying process is simple, but imaging artifacts and section slippage occur due to residual water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drying function with the water bath transfer system by integrating a heating element and controlled environment into the water bath chamber. This allows the same device to perform both section transfer and drying functions, eliminating the need for separate drying equipment and preventing section slippage through controlled evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls drying by precisely adjusting temperature and humidity parameters within the water bath chamber. By maintaining specific temperature ranges and controlling evaporation rates, the system achieves reliable section drying without causing slippage or artifacts, transforming the drying process from a simple passive operation to a controlled parametric process.
2Productivity
If multiple separate devices are used for water bath, drying, and heating, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the system becomes complex and difficult to coordinate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the water bath system as a multi-functional device that can perform section transfer, drying, and heating operations. The same chamber serves multiple purposes by adjusting temperature and humidity parameters, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function and improving workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory base is designed with modular components that can be independently configured and combined. Different functional modules (heating elements, humidity control, section transfer mechanisms) can be selectively activated or removed based on specific experimental needs, allowing flexible optimization without requiring all functions simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If residual water remains on specimen slides, then the drying process is faster, but imaging artifacts and section slippage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors and control mechanisms that monitor humidity and temperature in real-time during the drying process. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust drying parameters to achieve optimal dryness without over-drying or causing section slippage, ensuring precise section placement while minimizing drying time.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying process uses periodic heating cycles with controlled intervals rather than continuous high-heat drying. This allows moisture to evaporate gradually while preventing excessive drying that could cause section slippage, achieving a balance between drying speed and section stability through rhythmically controlled thermal processing.
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 system enhances sample drying precision, reduces imaging artifacts, and improves section stability, thereby improving the reliability and accuracy of histological analysis by effectively managing fluid and heat during the microtomy process.
Implementation Method 1
a first base having a first heating element configured to heat a first accessory component to increase the temperature of a fluid within the first accessory component
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensors, and temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first base, a second base, a cable, and a control portion. The first base has a first heating element configured to heat a first functional component to increase the temperature of a fluid within the first functional component. The second base has a second heating element configured to heat a second functional component to dry one or more specimen slides. The cable couples the first base to the second base. The control portion is in communication with both the first heating element and the second heating element to control the first heating element and the second heating element simultaneously.