Opposing edges system for scanning and processing glass slides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital slide scanners face challenges in securing glass slides during scanning and unloading, which can lead to damage and require costly solutions to ensure high-quality digital image data.
Innovation Solution
A system with a fixed reference edge and a movable opposing edge, controlled by a processor, secures the glass slide during scanning and unloading by applying pressure to guide it into a slide rack, using a push/pull assembly to manage the slide's orientation and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional securing mechanisms are used to secure glass slides during scanning, then high-quality digital image data can be obtained, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two independent edges: a fixed reference edge and a movable opposing edge. Each edge can be controlled independently, allowing simplified individual components that together provide reliable slide securing during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing edge is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically positioned to engage with the slide edge. This dynamic capability enables reliable securing while simplifying the overall mechanism compared to fully fixed conventional systems.
2Ease of operation
If conventional unloading mechanisms are used to unload glass slides into slide racks, then slides can be transferred, but the orientation control is insufficient and may damage slides
Solution Approach 1:
The movable opposing edge is positioned and engaged with the slide edge before the unloading action begins. This preliminary engagement ensures proper orientation control is established in advance, preventing slide damage during the subsequent unloading operation into the slide rack.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable opposing edge acts as an intermediary between the scanning stage and the slide rack during unloading. It maintains contact with the slide edge throughout the transfer process, ensuring continuous orientation control and preventing damage that would occur with direct transfer mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a fixed securing mechanism is used for both scanning and unloading, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different operations and may damage slides
Solution Approach 1:
The opposing edge is designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling it to adapt its position for different operations. During scanning, it secures the slide firmly; during unloading, it can be positioned to guide the slide into the rack. This single dynamic component replaces what would require multiple fixed structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable opposing edge serves multiple functions: it secures the slide during scanning operations and guides/orientates the slide during unloading operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning stage with opposing edges to secure a slide during scanning and guide the slide during unloading. In an embodiment, the system includes a reference edge with a surface facing a first edge of the slide and an opposing edge with a surface facing a second edge of the slide. The opposing edge is controlled by a processor to engage the second edge of the slide and press the first edge of the slide against the reference edge surface. The opposing edge surface is parallel to a side of a slide rack slot into which the slide will be inserted during unloading. The system also includes an assembly having a pull bar configured to pull the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slide rack slot while the first edge of the slide is simultaneously being pressed against the reference edge surface by the opposing edge surface.