Biological Sample Processing System with Hybrid Power and Self-Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated systems for tissue staining face challenges with high power demands due to heating requirements, frequent heater failures from moisture and caustic exposure, and the need for slide covers to prevent reagent evaporation, leading to inefficiencies and material waste.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample processing system that uses light mineral oil for dewaxing, continuous reagent application, a hybrid power system with stored power for peak demands, and self-leveling to ensure uniform heating and reduce evaporation, featuring a recirculating reagent system and adjustable support for level maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric heating elements are mounted under each slide to heat dewaxing and AR solutions, then the required heating temperature can be achieved, but the power demand increases to 30-40W per slide and heater failure rate increases due to exposure to moisture and caustic solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-transferring plate as an intermediary component between the heating element and the microscope slides. The heating element heats the plate, which then distributes heat to the slides through thermal conduction. This mediator approach allows the system to achieve the required heating temperature while using a single, more efficient heating element instead of multiple high-power elements under each slide.
2Temperature
If electric heating elements are mounted under each slide, then the required heating temperature can be achieved, but the reliability decreases due to frequent direct exposure to moisture and caustic solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-transferring plate serves as a protective intermediary that isolates the heating element from direct exposure to moisture and caustic solutions. The heating element is mounted on the underside of the plate, away from the chemical environment, while the plate's thermal conductivity ensures heat still reaches the slides effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted from its vulnerable position directly under each slide and relocated to a protected position on the underside of the heat-transferring plate, removing it from the harsh chemical environment while maintaining its heating function.
3Loss of substance
If slide covers are used to reduce evaporation of dewax and AR solutions, then reagent evaporation is reduced, but the device complexity increases and material waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the dewaxing and AR solutions by heating them to near-boiling temperatures. This parameter change reduces the relative evaporation rate and allows the system to proceed without slide covers, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for additional components.
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
This system enhances processing efficiency by eliminating the need for volatile solvents, reducing energy consumption, improving heater reliability, and ensuring uniform staining through even reagent distribution, while allowing for higher throughput and reduced material waste.
Implementation Method 1
an inclinometer in electronic communication with the motor and configured to maintain the holder in the substantially level orientation relative to gravity
Implementation Method 2
heating the slide above the melting point of the wax (the melting point varies based on composition of the wax and other factors but is between about 30 and 100 °C), which allows the detergent solution to emulsify the wax
Implementation Method 3
A common fixative is a formaldehyde-based solution such as formalin that cross-links proteins in the tissue specimen by forming methylene bridges which increase structural stability
Implementation Method 4
a heater configured to heat the reagent solution
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides a biological sample processing system and methods for processing biological samples. The processing may include one or both of removing wax from wax-embedded biological samples and applying a reagent to biological samples. Aspects of the dewaxing technique and the technique for applying the reagent may be combined to achieve energy efficiencies. Additional efficiency may be achieved by recirculating heated reagent. A hybrid power system may use a source of stored power to supplement external power at times of peak demand. Uniform distribution of liquids across a surface of the biological samples may be achieved by self-leveling using an inclinometer.