Tissue Embedding Cassette Shield for Label Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tissue embedding cassettes face difficulties in identifying and labeling due to the adverse effects of solvents on label components, making it challenging to differentiate between multiple cassettes during the processing of large volumes of specimens.

Innovation Solution

A tissue embedding cassette design featuring a transparent shield or retaining frame that securely holds a label or tag, using complementary connectors such as pivot joints, snap-fit connections, or elastic deformation to maintain the label's position and visibility, even when exposed to solvents, and optionally incorporating electronic chips for wireless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If labels are attached directly to the cassette surface, then identification is possible, but solvents cause adhesive failure and label damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel adhesion reliabilityVSAvoidsolvent effect on label

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent shield acts as an intermediary between the label and the solvent environment. The shield is connected to the cassette body via complementary connectors (male and female portions) and provides a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between solvents and the label, thereby maintaining label integrity while allowing visual identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent shield is pre-installed on the cassette body before labeling. This protective structure is already in place to cushion and protect the label from solvent damage before the label is exposed to harsh chemical environments during tissue processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a protective shield is added to protect the label, then label visibility is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabel protectionVSAvoidcassette structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent shield is designed as a thin, transparent protective element that covers the label area. This thin-film approach provides effective protection while minimizing additional complexity and maintaining visual access to the label through the transparent material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent shield serves multiple functions: it protects the label from solvent damage, maintains label visibility through its transparency, and structurally connects the lid to the cassette body via complementary connectors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3953677B1Tissue embedding cassette with retaining fingers or retaining frame

Publication Date: 2024.08.14 AMBARTSOUMIAN GOURGEN

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AI summary

A tissue embedding cassette has a box defining an inner cavity. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors for the shield to be held against the surface of the box. An assembly for a tissue embedding cassette of the type having a box defining an inner cavity may include a lid adapted to be operatively connected to the box, the lid opening and closing access to the inner cavity of the box. A shield has a transparent plate body, the shield configured for being applied against a surface of the box. Complementary connectors on the lid and/or the shield, for the shield to be held against the surface of the box.