Paraffin Dispenser Control Using Mold Identification for Accurate Pouring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paraffin dispensers in embedders require manual operation, leading to inefficiency and inconvenience for technicians, as they need to manually push a paraffin release bracket while holding a mold, lacking humanization and precision in paraffin distribution.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a paraffin dispenser that uses wireless transceivers or image acquisition devices to identify and verify the mold's label or two-dimensional code, controlling the flow valve to dispense paraffin only when the correct mold is identified, eliminating the need for manual operation and ensuring accurate and intelligent dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to push the paraffin release bracket while holding the mold, then the paraffin dispenser can be operated, but the work efficiency is reduced and technicians experience inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs identification and control operations automatically without requiring technician intervention. The mold is automatically identified by the collecting module, the control module automatically verifies the identification, and the paraffin dispenser automatically executes the pouring action, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual operations entirely

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of pushing the paraffin release bracket is replaced by an automated control system that uses information collection, identification verification, and electronic control to trigger the paraffin pouring mechanism, substituting mechanical manual labor with an automated control mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual operation is required to hold the mold and push the release bracket, then the paraffin can be dispensed, but the operation lacks humanization and precision

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprecisionVSAvoidhumanization
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the collecting module gathers information about the mold, the control module verifies the identification accuracy, and based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts and executes the paraffin pouring operation with precise control, ensuring both precision and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated identification and control system that uses information collection and verification mechanisms to achieve precise control over the paraffin dispensing process, eliminating the imprecision and labor intensity of manual operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated identification and control are implemented, then work efficiency is improved and convenience is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module serves multiple functions: it collects information through the collecting module, verifies identification accuracy, determines whether to pour paraffin, and controls the paraffin dispenser execution. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single control module, the system achieves high automation and efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If automated mold identification is used, then accuracy in paraffin dispensing is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control module acts as an intermediary between the collecting module and the paraffin dispenser. It receives information from the collecting module, performs identification verification, and based on the verification result, controls the dispenser execution. This intermediary structure enables accurate identification without requiring direct complex integration between all components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution significantly enhances work efficiency and technician convenience by enabling intelligent, accurate, and automated paraffin dispensing, improving the humanization and efficiency of the paraffin dispenser, especially in the form of a non-touchable paraffin dispenser.

Implementation Method 1

The wireless transceiver scans the label of the current mold by a radio frequency identification technology.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the information of the current mold is collected by scanning a two-dimension code of the current mold via an image acquisition device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage acquisition: Photography

Implementation Method 3

the paraffin dispenser is controlled to pour the paraffin into the current mold by opening a flow valve in the paraffin dispenser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow valve control: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3220125B1Paraffin dispenser, embedder, and control method and control apparatus for paraffin dispenser
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 LEICA MICROSYST LTD SHANGHAI SHANGHAI
  • EP3220125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3220125B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3220125B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A control method and a control apparatus for a paraffin dispenser in an embedder, a paraffin dispenser and an embedder are provided. The control method includes: collecting information of a current mold so as to acquire an identification of the current mold; determining whether the identification of the current mold is correct; and controlling the paraffin dispenser to pour paraffin into the current mold, when it is determined that the identification of the current mold is correct.