Condition-Based Staining Bath Washing for Smear Sample Slides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing staining processes in smear sample preparing apparatuses face challenges with solid components precipitating from staining liquids, adhering to samples and reducing the quality of the prepared smear sample slides.

Innovation Solution

A washing method for the staining bath in a smear sample preparing apparatus, which includes a controller that receives information on washing conditions and executes appropriate washing operations based on these conditions, using different concentrations and times of washing liquids to effectively remove precipitated solid components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the staining liquid is left stored in the staining liquid bath, then the staining process can be continuously performed, but solid components are precipitated from the staining liquid and adhered to the sample, reducing the quality of the sample

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous staining operationVSAvoidsample quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a washing operation before the staining process to remove precipitated solid components from the staining liquid bath. This preliminary cleaning action prevents the solid components from adhering to samples during subsequent staining operations, thereby maintaining sample quality while enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a continuous washing operation that is performed repeatedly during the staining process. The washing liquid is continuously circulated through the staining liquid bath to remove precipitated solid components, ensuring that the staining process can continue without degradation of sample quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If a washing operation is performed to remove solid components, then the sample quality is maintained, but the washing process may not be appropriate for all states of the smear sample preparing apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample qualityVSAvoidwashing process adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The washing operation is made dynamic and adaptable by adjusting parameters such as washing liquid concentration, washing time, and washing liquid temperature based on the actual state of the staining liquid bath. The system can modify the washing process to match different operational conditions, ensuring optimal cleaning effectiveness for various states of the smear sample preparing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes washing parameters including concentration of washing liquid, duration of washing operation, and temperature of washing liquid according to the state of the staining liquid bath. This parameter adjustment allows the washing process to be optimized for different conditions, enhancing both effectiveness and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the washing liquid concentration is increased to remove solid components more effectively, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the washing time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the balance between washing liquid concentration and washing time by dynamically adjusting these parameters. Instead of using high concentration continuously, the system can vary the concentration levels and washing duration based on the actual need, achieving effective cleaning while minimizing time consumption and resource usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3809112B1Washing method for staining bath in smear sample preparing apparatus, and smear sample preparing apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3809112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3809112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3809112B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a washing method for a staining bath (20) in a smear sample preparing apparatus (100). The staining bath (20) is able to accommodate a glass slide (11) having a specimen (90) smeared thereon, and stores therein a staining liquid (91) for staining the specimen (90) smeared on the glass slide (11) to perform a staining process. The washing method includes: receiving information related to a washing condition; and executing a washing operation for the staining bath, according to the received information.