Water Bath Heating With Precise Temperature and Sample Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating water baths used in histological laboratories are user-unfriendly due to approximate temperature control and lack of visual indicators for sample quality assessment, often requiring external thermometers and lacking temperature displays.
Innovation Solution
A device with temperature-controlled electric heating plates and underwater lighting, featuring adjustable diode lighting to assess sample quality, and a touch panel display for precise temperature regulation, along with a storage surface for sample handling and safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multi-stage switches are used for temperature control, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-stage switch system with an electronic temperature control system that uses a temperature sensor, microprocessor, and solid-state relay to achieve precise temperature regulation. This substitution eliminates the coarse control of mechanical switches while maintaining structural simplicity through electronic integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the water bath temperature and feeds this information back to the microprocessor, which then adjusts the heating power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control without complex mechanical switching.
2Device complexity
If no temperature display is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for external mechanical thermometers with an electronic temperature display system that uses a temperature sensor and microprocessor to digitally show the current water bath temperature. This substitution provides accurate real-time temperature information without adding mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the device to automatically display temperature information through an integrated digital display system, eliminating the need for users to manually check external thermometers. The system serves itself by providing all necessary temperature information directly at the device interface.
3Device complexity
If no visual indicator for sample quality is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a color-changing indicator system that visually displays the quality state of tissue samples during the stretching process. Different colors indicate different quality levels, enabling operators to quickly assess sample quality without complex analysis. This applies color change principles to provide intuitive visual feedback on sample condition.
4Device complexity
If external thermometer is used for temperature measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature measurement function into the device by integrating a temperature sensor directly into the water bath system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external thermometers and ensures accurate measurement of the actual water temperature where the samples are being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the integrated temperature sensor to provide real-time temperature feedback to the control system, enabling continuous monitoring and precise measurement of the water bath temperature. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate temperature data is always available for both control and display purposes.
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
Ensures consistent water temperature and improved user experience through precise temperature control and visual indicators, enhancing sample quality assessment and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
the electric heater comprises at least one heating plate assigned to the bottom of the tub
Implementation Method 2
The lighting can include at least one diode as a light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for heating an object by means of a water bath, in particular for strips of pathological or histological sections, before a microscopic examination, comprising a housing (1) and a trough (2) inserted in the housing (1), wherein the water bath is heated by means of an electrical heater, characterised in that the electrical heater comprises at least one hotplate (4) provided on the base (3) of the trough (2).