Biological Sample Processing Device with Elastic Retaining Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing biological samples face issues such as paraffin leakage, manual handling risks, inconsistent box positioning on the microtome, and the need for constant operator presence, leading to inefficient and unsafe processing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a body and supporting element that features elastic retaining elements and cavities to securely hold the sample container in place, minimizing paraffin leakage and ensuring repeatable, safe, and automated handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If manual removal of excess paraffin is performed using blades, then the paraffin around the box perimeter can be removed, but the operation becomes particularly risky and requires constant operator presence
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful function of blade-based paraffin removal and replaces it with a controlled dispensing system. The dispensing needle delivers paraffin precisely where needed, eliminating the need for manual blade work and associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing needle acts as an intermediary tool between the paraffin source and the sample container. It provides controlled paraffin delivery, replacing the direct manual handling with blades that created safety hazards.
2Ease of operation
If the box is manually placed on the microtome, then positioning can be adjusted, but the operation is cumbersome in terms of time and requires constant operator presence
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service operation where the sample container automatically maintains its positioning on the microtome. The microtome's movement automatically adjusts the container position, eliminating manual intervention and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning where the sample container can move with the microtome during operation. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for static manual positioning and allows continuous automated processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the box orientation changes on the microtome over time, then the box can be repositioned, but the biological sample will be cut at a different inclination resulting in loss of biological tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention establishes preliminary action by fixing the sample container's orientation before microtome operation begins. The container is designed to maintain a fixed angular relationship with the microtome cutting plane, preventing subsequent orientation changes that would cause tissue loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of allowing the box to be repositioned on the microtome (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by making the microtome adapt to the fixed box orientation. This ensures consistent cutting inclination without risking tissue loss from repositioning.
4Ease of manufacture
If paraffin is introduced inside the supporting element, then the sample can be embedded, but a force pushes the box out of the supporting element causing a floating effect
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies counterweight principles by designing the supporting element to counteract the upward force generated during paraffin introduction. The mechanical structure provides opposing force to maintain box stability, preventing the floating effect while allowing complete sample embedding.
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 device reduces paraffin leakage, simplifies handling, and allows for repeatable, automated processing, enhancing safety and efficiency by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic retaining elements 13, each adapted to be inserted with a relevant shaped portion 12 inside a relevant cavity 10 defined on said at least one outer lateral face 26b, so as to hold the body 2 in place
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) for processing biological samples comprising: - a body (2) defining at least one containment chamber (3) open at the top and having a bottom wall (4); where the body (2) has a polygonal conformation and comprises at least one inclined front face (26a) and a pair of outer lateral faces (26b) contiguous and transverse to said front face (26a), where said outer lateral faces (26b) are opposite each other; - at least one supporting element (7) defining at least one housing seat (8) of said body (2), wherein the housing seat (8) has at least one resting surface (8a) of said body (2) and at which at least one recess (9) is defined which is intended to receive a sample of biological tissue (C); wherein the body (2) comprises at least one cavity (10) defined at least on each of the outer lateral faces (26b), faced outwards and defining at least one relevant abutment surface (11), and comprises at least one abutment element (16) engageable by an external tool, and wherein the supporting element (7) has at least one pair of shaped portions (12) adapted to be inserted in a relevant cavity (10) as a result of the introduction of the body (2) into the housing seat (8) and comprises at least one pair of retaining elements (13) defining relevant anchoring surfaces (14) adapted to interact with said abutment surface (11) as a result of the insertion of the shaped portions (12) into the cavities (10) so as to counteract the coming out of the body (2) from the housing seat (8).