Air Blowing Apparatus for Uniform Cell Distribution on Microscopy Slides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for transferring cells onto a slide are inefficient, leading to non-uniform distribution, contamination, and accuracy issues due to manual handling and exposure of solutions to air, resulting in wasted reagents and potential contamination.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that uses a suction unit with air-ejecting and sucking means to float and uniformly distribute cells in a solution, followed by a blower unit to transfer them onto a slide without physical contact, ensuring precise and uniform placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual handling is used to transfer cells onto a slide, then the process is simple to operate, but the distribution of cells is non-uniform and contamination risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of cell distributionVSAvoidmanual operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated air flow system. Air is blown through a solution tube to uniformly distribute cells in the solution and transfer them to the slide, eliminating manual brushing and pouring operations while achieving uniform cell distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic pressure (air flow) to achieve two functions: (1) mixing and uniformly distributing cells in the solution by blowing air through the solution tube, and (2) transferring the cell-containing solution to the slide by directing air flow onto the slide surface. This pneumatic system replaces manual mechanical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If solution is exposed to air in an open container, then the container is easy to access, but the solution becomes contaminated and inspection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidcontainer accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium to transfer cells from the sealed solution tube to the slide without exposing the bulk solution to air contamination. The air flow carries cells through a controlled path, avoiding direct contact between the solution and ambient air.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains a controlled environment by keeping the solution tube sealed and only exposing the minimal necessary portion to air flow during the transfer process. This prevents contamination of the bulk solution while still enabling cell transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If additional containers are used to store solution and transfer cells, then the cell transfer process can be performed, but the device complexity increases and reagent waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell transfer efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of containers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the solution tube multi-functional: it serves as both the storage container for the cell solution and the transfer mechanism. By blowing air through the same tube used for storage, the system eliminates the need for separate transfer containers while achieving efficient cell transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the storage function and transfer function into a single component (the solution tube). The air flow system is integrated with the solution tube, combining what were previously separate operations (storage in one container, transfer using another) into a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Automates the cell transfer process, ensuring uniform distribution, reducing contamination risks, and improving inspection accuracy by minimizing physical contact and reagent waste.

Implementation Method 1

blow air into a container in which the examination objects are stored, so that the examination objects are spread in a uniform distribution state in the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir blowing:

Implementation Method 2

a suction unit with an air ejecting and sucking means... secondly performs a suction operation to place the examination objects inside the container on the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a blower unit for generating, when a slide is located on the upper end of the filter on which the examination objects are placed, positive pressure in the lower end of the filter and placing the examination objects placed on the filter onto the slide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11841301B2Apparatus for providing object to be medically examined by blowing

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 BIODYNE CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for providing an object to be medically examined by blowing is provided where air is blown into a container in which an object to be medically examined is stored, so as to make the uniform distribution state of the object to be medically examined from the inside of the container, thereby ensuring the sameness of the object to be medically examined, which is to be extracted from the container.