Modular Slide Handling System with Dual Coverslipper Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide handling systems require multiple transfer interfaces, leading to space inefficiency and high susceptibility to faults, and are labor-intensive when switching between different mounting media or cover slips, often necessitating manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with two module-receiving areas allows for simultaneous operation of multiple modules, such as coverslipper and quality control modules, with independent mounting medium reservoirs and cover slip containers, enabling direct transfer and parallel processing without the need for manual intervention or extensive cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for slide preparation, treatment, and quality checking, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase due to multiple transfer interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (coverslipper, treatment device, quality checking device) into a single integrated system with a common housing. The modules are mounted on a shared support plate and connected through a unified transport interface, eliminating the need for multiple external transfer interfaces while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a universal module design where different functional modules (coverslipper, treatment device, quality checking device) can be mounted on the same support plate and operated within a single system. The transport unit and control system serve all modules universally, allowing one system to perform multiple functions that previously required separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transfer interfaces are implemented between separate devices, then functional connectivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to faults
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functional modules within a single housing and using a common transport unit, the patent reduces the number of external transfer interfaces. The modules communicate and transfer slides through internal interfaces that are part of the same system, thereby reducing cumulative fault susceptibility while maintaining functional connectivity.
3Ease of operation
If manual transfer of slides is performed between coverslippers, then operational flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs an automated transport unit that automatically transfers slides between modules and positions them for processing. The control system coordinates the transport and module operations without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control while significantly improving productivity through automation.
4Reliability
If intensive cleaning of mounting medium reservoir and pump is performed when switching mounting media, then contamination is prevented, but loss of time increases due to cleaning effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides separate mounting medium reservoirs for each module-receiving area. When switching between different mounting media, only the specific reservoir associated with that module needs to be changed or cleaned, rather than cleaning a shared reservoir. This segmentation isolates the cleaning requirement to minimal components, preventing contamination while reducing time loss.
5Device complexity
If single module-receiving area is used, then device simplicity is improved, but productivity decreases due to sequential processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic modular architecture where additional module-receiving areas can be added or activated based on productivity requirements. The transport unit and control system are designed to dynamically coordinate multiple modules operating in parallel, allowing the system to scale from simple single-module operation to complex multi-module parallel processing as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (10) for handling slides, including a first and at least a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving at least one module (30, 34) for handling slides each. The first module-receiving area (24) accommodates a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48).