Thin-Slice Manufacturing Device Inclination Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thin-slice manufacturing devices face challenges in manufacturing appropriate cross-sections of biological samples due to inclination issues between the embedding block's cross-section and the cutting surface, requiring time-consuming sensor-based inclination detection and adjustment processes.
Innovation Solution
A thin-slice manufacturing device that estimates the inclination of the embedding block using vertical illumination and imaging, calculating the normal vector of the boundary line between the cutting and non-cutting surfaces to compensate for the inclination, allowing for surface matching without sensor-based position detection, enabling the production of thin slices with appropriate cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based position detection is used for surface matching, then inclination detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensor-based detection system with an optical imaging system. The imaging unit captures images of the embedding block, and the control unit calculates inclination based on image processing and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for physical sensors and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the embedding block's surface and uses this copy for measurement and analysis. By capturing the surface geometry through imaging and analyzing it computationally, the system achieves accurate inclination detection without direct physical measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If surface shaping is performed manually with repeated adjustment, then flexibility is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically calculating the required inclination correction based on captured images and then actuating the inclination adjustment mechanism. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining the flexibility of precise adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the imaging unit continuously monitors the embedding block's surface, the control unit calculates the inclination error, and the adjustment mechanism corrects the error. This automated feedback loop replaces manual trial-and-adjustment with systematic self-correction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the embedding block cross-section is not parallel to the end surface, then tissue embedding flexibility is improved, but the need for surface matching increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inclination measurement and calculation before the actual slicing operation. By detecting and calculating the required adjustment in advance, the system prepares the optimal cutting angle beforehand, eliminating time-consuming adjustments during the slicing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual surface matching operations with automated optical detection and computational analysis. The imaging and calculation system quickly determines the correct inclination, reducing the time required compared to manual adjustment methods.
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 approach reduces the time required for surface matching and ensures the production of thin slices with appropriate cross-sections, even when the embedded tissue's cross-section is inclined relative to the cutting surface, by estimating and compensating for the inclination of the embedding block.
Implementation Method 1
a boundary line between a cutting surface and a non-cutting surface based on reflection of light generated by radiating the light to the embedding block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A thin-slice manufacturing device (1) is a thin-slice manufacturing device for cutting an embedding block (B) in which a biological sample (S) is embedded by paraffin (P) using a cutting blade (3) relatively moved with respect to the embedding block (B) along a virtual plane (H) to cut out thin slices, the thin-slice manufacturing device includes a vertical illumination part (4) configured to radiate light to the embedding block (B), and an inclination estimation part (54) configured to detect a boundary line between a cutting surface cut along the virtual plane (H) and a non-cutting surface based on reflection of light generated by the light radiated to the embedding block (B) by the vertical illumination part (4), and estimate inclination information showing information related to inclination of the embedding block (B) based on the detected boundary line.