Disposable Biologic Chamber with Removable Base for Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing devices for biologic material struggle with controlling the processing of individual samples due to simultaneous processing of multiple samples, leading to suboptimal quality and increased costs from the need for multiple containers and handling steps.

Innovation Solution

A disposable process chamber designed for individual sample processing, featuring a single-piece containing body with a removable base for embedding and cutting, and integrated sealing and access mechanisms to manage dehydration, clarification, and infiltration phases within a unified container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple samples are processed simultaneously in a process chamber, then processing throughput is improved, but control over individual sample processing parameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidindividual sample processing control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The process chamber is divided into multiple independent processing units, each capable of holding and processing a single sample container. This segmentation allows independent control of processing parameters for each sample while maintaining high throughput through parallel processing of multiple samples simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple containers are used for sample processing and embedding, then sample processing capability is improved, but device complexity and handling time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of containers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing container and embedding container are merged into a single integrated container structure. The processing chamber includes a sample holding area and an embedding area within the same container, eliminating the need to transfer samples between separate containers and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the processing vessel for chemical treatment and the embedding vessel for paraffin infiltration. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate containers while maintaining all necessary processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If samples are transferred from processing container to embedding container, then processing functionality is improved, but processing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing functionalityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The processing and embedding functions are combined within a single container structure, eliminating the transfer step between containers. The sample remains in the same container throughout the entire process from chemical treatment to paraffin embedding, significantly reducing processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3714250B1Disposable process chamber for processing biologic material
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 COMETTO SERGIO
  • EP3714250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3714250B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3714250B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A disposable process chamber (10) for processing biologic material is described, comprising: a containing body (11) for housing the biologic material; holding means (12) for holding the biologic material in the containing body (11) to prevent its movement; closing means (14) associated with liquid seal to the containing body (11); and access means (15) to allow introducing and removing liquids in the disposable process chamber (10), the containing body (11) comprising an upper part (21) configured for housing the closing means (14), and a removable base (16) to allow, at the end of a embedding phase, accessing to the embedded biologic material and perform its cutting, once having removed the removable base (16).