Microscope Slide Clamping Jaws for Precise Rack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slide positioning devices are not suitable for stable gripping of microscope slides in transverse racks, leading to rotation and positioning inaccuracies, and are unable to transfer slides between devices due to reliance on protruding ends, causing inefficiencies in digital pathology workflows.
Innovation Solution
A slide positioning apparatus using co-acting prismatic clamping jaws mounted on a robot arm, with one jaw fixed and the other rotatable and slidable, allowing secure grip and transfer of slides in any direction, including from transverse racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional slide positioning devices grip slides at protruding ends, then slides can be removed from longitudinal racks, but slides rotate in directions perpendicular to their surface causing positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of gripping the protruding end of the slide, the invention inverts the approach by gripping the long edge of the slide that is inserted into the rack. The clamping jaw engages with the long edge of the slide from the side, rather than from the end, thereby preventing rotation perpendicular to the slide surface while maintaining secure grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a clamping jaw with a clamping surface that copies the geometry of the long edge of the slide. The clamping surface is designed to match the dimensions and shape of the slide's long edge, ensuring stable contact and preventing rotation during manipulation.
2Productivity
If slide racks require racks to be full before processing, then multiple slides can be handled, but machines wait unused causing workflow bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the slide handling process by enabling individual slide manipulation through the clamping jaw mechanism. This allows slides to be processed one at a time or in small batches without requiring the entire rack to be full, thereby eliminating machine idle time while maintaining processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jaw mechanism provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the robotic arm to adjust its positioning and gripping force for individual slides. This enables the system to process slides as they become ready without waiting for batch completion, optimizing workflow continuity.
3Reliability
If clamping jaws are made rotatable and slidable, then slides can be gripped securely in transverse racks, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex motion requirements are segmented into separate functional components: rotation of the support rod is handled by a rotation drive, while sliding motion is handled by a sliding drive. This segmentation allows each drive to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rod mechanism serves multiple functions: it carries the clamping jaw, provides rotation for orienting the jaw, enables sliding for positioning, and supports the clamping operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each motion type.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for positioning a microscope slide and comprising co-acting first and second clamping jaws attached to a robot arm and adapted to receive and carry a microscope slide.