Continuous Adhesive Tape Transport for Automated Tissue Section Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional microtomy for producing tissue sections is a time-consuming manual process, and automating the transfer of cut tissue sections to slides without compromising section quality is challenging, especially in clinical settings where time is of the essence.

Innovation Solution

An automated system and method for cutting and transferring tissue sections using a continuous adhesive tape, which supports the cutting face during sectioning, moves sections to slides, and includes a motorized feed and take-up mechanism to facilitate efficient transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual microtomy is used to cut and transfer tissue sections, then section quality can be maintained through careful manual handling, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sections transferred per unit timeVSAvoidtime required for section cutting and transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the tissue sectioning and transfer process into distinct functional modules: a microtome for cutting sections, a tape transport mechanism for conveying sections, and a slide station for transferring sections to slides. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high-throughput automated processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesive tape serves as an intermediary carrier between the microtome cutting surface and the final slide destination. The tape collects sections as they are cut, transports them through the system, and delivers them to slides, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining section integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated microtomy is implemented to increase processing speed, then productivity improves, but maintaining section quality and proper transfer to slides becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of section cuttingVSAvoiddifficulty of transferring sections to slides

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the section cutting function (microtome) with the transport function (tape mechanism) and the slide transfer function (slide station) into a single integrated automated system. This combination ensures that sections cut at high speed are automatically conveyed and transferred to slides without requiring manual intervention, maintaining both productivity and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive tape automatically collects sections as they are cut from the microtome, transports them through the system, and deposits them on slides without human assistance. The system performs the transfer function autonomously, making high-speed automated sectioning as easy to operate as simple tape feeding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If manual transfer of sections to slides is performed, then section placement can be controlled, but technician time and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of section placement on slidesVSAvoidcomplexity of automated transfer system

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the manual mechanical skill of picking and placing sections with an automated mechanical system using adhesive tape. The tape's adhesive properties and controlled transport mechanism provide precise section placement without requiring technician skill or training, reducing device complexity from a human-operated system to an automated tape-driven system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system enhances sample integrity, reduces technician time, and increases the number of samples transferred to slides by automating the cutting and transfer process, improving consistency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a tape applicator that applies the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein the adhesive tape supports the cutting face for cutting a section of the sample block and wherein the section is adhered to the adhesive tape after the cutting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20260002843A1Automated system and method for advancing tape to transport cut tissue sections

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 CLARAPATH INC

AI summary

An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.