Histological Cover Pad Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histological systems with robotic handling face challenges in uniform fluid distribution across samples, leading to compromised sample preparation due to open-top containers and variable designs, which affect the quality and consistency of sample processing.
Innovation Solution
A cover pad with an inclined shelf and flow guiding surfaces, including a spreader surface and side flow bars, is designed to direct fluids uniformly across a planar support, ensuring consistent exposure and retention of fluids on the sample, enhancing the capillary flow and uniformity of fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open-top containers are used to allow robotic access to samples, then ease of operation is improved, but uniform fluid distribution across samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A cover structure acts as an intermediary between the open container environment and the sample surface. The cover includes flow distribution features (flow distributors, spreader surfaces, and capillary wicks) that mediate fluid delivery to ensure uniform distribution across the sample while maintaining robotic accessibility through the open container design
2Productivity
If automated systems with standardized container sizes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but fluid flow uniformity across samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure incorporates localized flow distribution features at specific positions to address non-uniform fluid flow. Flow distributors are positioned to deliver fluid to specific areas, spreader surfaces create localized spreading zones, and capillary wicks provide localized capillary action to ensure uniform fluid distribution across the entire sample surface in automated processing systems
3Manufacturing precision
If reagents are applied manually to control timing and spreading, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure enables self-service fluid distribution through passive mechanisms. Capillary wicks automatically draw fluid along the sample surface without active pumping, spreader surfaces automatically distribute fluid laterally, and flow distributors automatically direct fluid flow. This maintains precise reagent application control while enabling automated high-throughput processing without manual intervention
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 improves the efficiency and uniformity of histological sample preparation by ensuring consistent fluid distribution and retention, leading to better sample processing and staining patterns, thereby enhancing the quality of histological examination.
Implementation Method 1
flow guiding surfaces that intersect downward flowing fluids deposited on the planar support and/shelf upward from the cover pad
Implementation Method 2
A spreader surface can be formed on a top portion of the cover pad to assist in dispersing the downward flowing fluids toward sides of the cover pad. The spreader surface can be angled upward, such as with a convex curve, so that incoming fluids can be directed sideways
Implementation Method 3
flow downward across the planar support and specimen in the space below the cover pad and above the planar support, advantageously in a capillary fashion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a cover pad for a histological container having an inclined shelf for a planar support with a histological sample coupled to a topside of the planar support and a cover pad over the planar support. The cover pad is generally planar with flow guiding surfaces that intersect downward flowing fluids deposited on the planar support. A spreader surface on the cover pad disperses fluids toward the cover pad sides. The spreader surface can be angled upward, as a convex curve, to direct impinging fluids along the angled surface toward the sides. Side flow guides intersect the spreader surface angle and smoothly flow the sideways directed fluids into a vertical space between the cover pad and the planar support. Side flow bars extend longitudinally upward above the side flow guides and assist in retaining fluids onto the planar support before the fluids engage the side flow guides.