Optically Flat Glass Plate Edges for Microtome Sample Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing section stretchers face issues with sample sections rolling up and breaking during sectioning, and glass plates used in these devices can scratch easily and acquire static charge, leading to sample catching or shredding on edges.
Innovation Solution
A glass plate with edges ground and polished to optical flatness better than λ/2 and roughness <5 nm RMS is used in a section stretcher, along with optional hardening, protective diffusion barrier, and anti-reflection coating to prevent sample damage and maintain transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass plates are used in section stretchers, then transparency and durability are improved, but edges can still cause sample catching or shredding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different parts of the glass plate. The main surface maintains optical transparency while the edges are specifically treated with rounded profiles and reduced roughness to prevent sample damage. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by making edges sample-friendly while preserving the overall durability and transparency benefits of glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary edge treatment during manufacturing, including rounding and polishing edges before the glass plate is put into service. This advance preparation prevents sample catching and shredding from the outset, eliminating the need for corrective actions during actual sectioning operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual attempt is made to grasp the section with brush or forceps, then rolling is prevented, but breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The section stretcher device performs the function of preventing sample rolling automatically through its mechanical structure. The glass plate with specifically designed edge profiles and controlled gap dimensions prevents sample rolling without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating the breakage risk associated with manual handling while maintaining stability control.
Solution Approach 2:
The glass plate acts as an intermediary element between the sectioning knife and the sample. By positioning the glass plate at a controlled distance from the knife edge, it provides a protective barrier that guides the sample section and prevents rolling without requiring direct contact from brushes or forceps, thus avoiding breakage.
3Ease of manufacture
If gap dimension depends on plate material thickness, then manufacturing is simpler, but gap precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the gap dimensioning function from the plate thickness parameter. Instead of relying on plate thickness to define the gap, the design uses the rounded edge profile geometry and mounting position as the determining factors. This segmentation allows independent optimization of plate manufacturing and gap precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter from plate thickness to edge profile geometry (rounding radius) and mounting position for defining gap dimensions. This parameter change enables more precise control over gap size since edge rounding and positioning can be controlled more tightly than plate thickness variations, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a glass plate (2) for use in a device (1) for stretching sample sections having a sectioning knife, the glass plate (2) being arranged at the back (3) of the sectioning knife in such a way that a defined gap (4) for reception of the sectioned sample is formed between the back (3) of the sectioning knife and the plate (2), the glass plate (2) possessing, at least on one of its longitudinal sides (21, 22), edges (211, 212; 221, 222) ground and polished to optical flatness.