Automated Slide Scanning System with Carousel Storage and Gravity Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital pathology slide scanners face challenges in scalability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, particularly for handling large volumes of slides with varying thicknesses, as existing solutions are not robust, automated, accurate, simple to use, and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a slide storage assembly, slide basket transfer assembly, and slide transfer assembly that securely stores, retrieves, and transfers slides of various thicknesses to a scanning stage, using a carousel-based storage system, motorized mechanisms, and a slide grasping mechanism to ensure accurate and efficient scanning and re-storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a slide scanner is designed with small capacity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the scalability to meet growing demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The slide storage system is divided into multiple independent slide baskets that can be individually loaded and unloaded. Each basket holds a specific number of slides, allowing the system to scale capacity by simply adding more baskets to the carousel rather than redesigning the entire storage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores multiple slide baskets, rotates them to different positions, and enables automated transfer to the scanning stage. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanism to handle increased capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If automated slide loading is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity-assisted sliding mechanisms where slides automatically move from the storage baskets to the scanning stage through controlled gravitational force and guide rails, eliminating the need for complex robotic manipulators or additional actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual slide loading is replaced with an automated carousel-based mechanical system that uses simple rotational motion and gravity to transfer slides, substituting complex electronic control systems with straightforward mechanical automation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If slides of varying thicknesses are handled, then adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slide gripping mechanism features localized adaptive features such as spring-loaded clamps and adjustable positioning elements that can independently adjust to accommodate different slide thicknesses, allowing the system to maintain precision across varying dimensions without requiring the entire system to be over-engineered for maximum tolerance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements such as spring-loaded clamps and movable positioning components that can adapt their force and position in real-time to match the specific thickness of each slide, enabling the system to handle varying thicknesses with consistent precision.
4Productivity
If multiple slides are processed simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the loss of time for setup and retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple slides are pre-loaded into separate baskets that are positioned on the carousel in advance. The system prepares multiple slides for processing simultaneously by loading them into designated baskets before the scanning sequence begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup and retrieval operations during the scanning process.
Data Source
AI summary
A slide storage, retrieval, transfer and scanning system for a slide scanner presents multiple components which work together in an automated fashion to streamline slide scanning in digital pathology. A slide storage assembly stores several slide baskets and can deliver a particular basket through a rotation mechanism. A slide basket transfer assembly retrieves the basket from the slide storage assembly and transfers the basket to a secondary location, where a slide transfer assembly retrieves a single slide from the basket and delivers the slide to a slide scanning stage for scanning.