Embedding Container Geometry for Precise Tissue Sectioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding cells or tissues, such as using formalin and paraffin, lack efficiency and precision in creating specimens, particularly for small biological entities.
Innovation Solution
An embedding container with a holding member, such as a porous filter, that allows for controlled embedding and cutting to create specimens, utilizing a unique cross-sectional design and structure to guide precise specimen creation without losing sight of the subject.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional embedding methods using formalin and paraffin are used, then embedding can be achieved, but efficiency and precision in creating specimens are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The embedding container is divided into multiple chambers including a first chamber for receiving the subject, a second chamber for receiving embedding agent, and a third chamber for receiving cutting tool. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation and embedding operations, improving efficiency while maintaining precision through controlled agent delivery to the subject chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedding agent is pre-loaded into the second chamber before the embedding process begins. This preliminary action allows the agent to be ready for immediate delivery to the subject, eliminating preparation time during the embedding process and improving overall efficiency without compromising precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If the embedding container has uniform cross-section, then manufacturing is simple, but the cutting process cannot be guided precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The embedding container features a non-uniform cross-sectional area along its longitudinal axis, with different chamber sections having different cross-sectional dimensions. This local variation provides visual and tactile cues during cutting, allowing precise identification of chamber boundaries and subject location without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates longitudinal dimension variation through non-uniform cross-sections, adding a dimensional cue system that aids precision cutting. The changing cross-sectional area along the length of the container creates identifiable landmarks that guide the cutting process while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Strength
If the holding member is thick, then it provides sufficient support for the subject, but it occupies excessive space in the embedding container
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member is constructed as a porous filter with high porosity (70-90%), providing sufficient mechanical support and surface area for subject attachment while occupying minimal volume. The porous structure maintains strength through its network architecture while allowing embedding agent penetration and minimizing space consumption within the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member parameters are optimized with thickness of 10-50 μm and porosity of 70-90%, creating a structure that provides adequate support strength while minimizing volume occupation. These parameter changes enable the holding member to fulfill its support function with dramatically reduced material volume compared to solid structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If the embedding agent is introduced slowly, then thorough embedding is achieved, but the process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embedding agent is extracted from the second chamber and delivered directly to the first chamber containing the subject, bypassing intermediate steps. This direct delivery mechanism enables controlled yet rapid agent introduction, achieving thorough embedding without excessive process time by eliminating unnecessary transfer steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The second chamber acts as an intermediary reservoir that pre-stores the embedding agent, allowing controlled delivery to the subject chamber. This intermediary structure enables precise agent introduction rates while maintaining overall process efficiency, as the agent is ready for immediate controlled transfer without additional preparation time.
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
Enables efficient and precise creation of specimens by guiding the cutting process based on cross-sectional changes, ensuring the subject is not lost during the embedding and cutting process.
Implementation Method 1
a proximate plane to the subject at an arrangement location to arrange the subject thereon may have a cross-section different from that of a plane adjacent to the proximate plane
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an embedding container. The embedding container according to an embodiment of the present application accommodates a subject to be embedded and is used to be cut along with the subject, and a proximate plane to the subject at an arrangement location to arrange the subject thereon has a cross-section different from that of a plane adjacent to the proximate plane. In addition, there is also provided an embedding method comprising: arranging the subject in the embedding container; and embedding the subject and the embedding container as a whole. Moreover, there is also provided an embedding apparatus, comprising: a moving unit which moves the embedding container; and an introduction unit which introduces a processing solution and/or an embedding agent into the embedding container.