Specimen Support Tool Groove for Slice Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for placing slices prepared by an ultramicrotome on specimen support tools, such as grids, face difficulties in accurately positioning the slices due to floating on water surfaces, making it challenging to place them at desired locations.
Innovation Solution
A specimen support tool with a groove on a specimen support member that guides the slice, combined with a jig for securing the tool to a liquid container, allows for precise placement of the slice on a chip or substrate, ensuring it is positioned correctly for observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a slice floating on water surface is scooped up by a specimen support tool, then the slice can be placed on the specimen support tool, but it is difficult to place the slice on a desired position on the specimen support tool
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen support tool is divided into a base and a cover that can be separated. The groove is formed on the base, and the cover is placed on top. This segmentation allows the groove to guide the slice during the scooping process while maintaining ease of operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of placing and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
A groove structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the water surface and the specimen support tool. The groove guides the slice from the water surface to the desired position on the specimen support tool, enabling both easy scooping and precise positioning simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a slice is scooped up from water surface without guidance structure, then the operation is simple, but the slice cannot be placed at desired position and may move or bend
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen support tool is segmented into a base with a groove and a separate cover. This segmentation adds minimal structural complexity while providing the necessary guidance function to prevent slice movement and bending, achieving precise positioning without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is introduced as a localized structural feature on the base of the specimen support tool. This local modification provides guidance and positioning functionality without requiring complex overall structure, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen support tool for supporting a slice prepared by using a microtome includes a specimen support member on which a groove for guiding the slice is formed.