Bulk Fluid Wash Module for Bubble-Free Probe Repriming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated treatment apparatuses for tissue samples on slides face inefficiencies due to the need to purge bulk fluids from dispensing end effectors and fluid lines, leading to delays, wastage, and interference from air bubbles, which affect the apparatus's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A bulk fluid wash module with a cavity and scavenger port system is introduced to receive and remove bulk fluids from probes, utilizing a chamfered top scavenger port and a bottom scavenger port with a downward flow channel to facilitate vacuum removal, reducing the risk of overflow and air bubbles, and enabling simultaneous repriming of probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulk fluids are dispensed from fluid dispensing end effectors, then samples on slides are treated with bulk fluids, but air bubbles may form and become trapped in the fluid dispensing end effectors, interfering with the effectiveness of the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful air bubbles and residual bulk fluids from the fluid dispensing end effectors by introducing a separate fluid scavenging system. The scavenger probe connects to the fluid dispensing end effector and actively removes trapped air bubbles and excess fluids through a scavenger line, preventing interference with subsequent dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid scavenger system as an intermediary component between the bulk fluid containers and the fluid dispensing end effectors. This scavenger system, comprising a scavenger probe, scavenger line, and fluid scavenger container, acts as a mediator to remove harmful air bubbles and residual fluids, ensuring clean fluid delivery without direct modification to the primary dispensing mechanism.
2Reliability
If bulk fluids are purged from fluid dispensing end effectors and fluid lines, then air bubbles are removed, but this causes delays and wastage of bulk fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously or periodically scavenging air bubbles and residual bulk fluids from the fluid dispensing end effectors between dispensing operations. The scavenger probe can be positioned to remove air bubbles proactively before they interfere with the next dispensing cycle, eliminating the need for time-consuming purging operations after fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous removal of air bubbles through the scavenger system, which can operate continuously or at frequent intervals during the dispensing process. This continuous scavenging action maintains fluid readiness without interrupting the overall workflow, unlike traditional purging methods that require complete system shutdown and extended purging cycles.
3Reliability
If bulk fluids are purged from fluid dispensing end effectors, then air bubbles are removed, but this leads to wastage of bulk fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts only the harmful air bubbles and minimal residual bulk fluids from the fluid dispensing end effectors using the scavenger probe. The scavenger system removes only what is necessary (air bubbles and small amounts of residual fluid) rather than completely purging the entire fluid line, thereby minimizing bulk fluid wastage while still achieving reliable bubble-free dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the fluid removal process by using a controlled scavenging system that operates at lower flow rates and for shorter durations compared to traditional purging methods. The scavenger pump removes air bubbles and minimal residual fluid at controlled rates, reducing bulk fluid wastage while maintaining effective bubble removal through parameter optimization.
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 solution effectively removes bulk fluids and air bubbles, minimizing downtime and ensuring efficient operation of the apparatus by allowing simultaneous repriming of probes, thus enhancing the apparatus's performance and reducing operational delays.
Implementation Method 1
a scavenger probe configured to remove the bulk fluids from the cavity through the scavenger port
Implementation Method 2
a downward flow channel to facilitate vacuum removal
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A bulk fluid wash module for an automated treatment apparatus for treating tissue samples disposed on slides, the bulk fluid wash module comprising: a body; a cavity disposed in the body, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of bulk fluids dispensed from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid robot of the automated treatment apparatus, whereby the plurality of probes are configured to dispense the bulk fluids to the slides and to the cavity; and a scavenger port disposed in the body, the scavenger port in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to remove the bulk fluids from the cavity.