Histological Sample Detachment via Liquid Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Histological samples often adhere to each other or to the cassette after infiltration with embedding medium, making it difficult to detach them without causing disruption or contamination during the microtoming preparation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that immobilize the sample in a chamber with a liquid, such as paraffin, where the liquid level is controlled to detach the sample from the cassette by raising it above the sample, avoiding the need to submerge the cassette in liquid and minimizing disruption, using pressure adjustments in an adjacent chamber to manage the liquid level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cassette is introduced into a paraffin bath for detachment, then the samples can be separated from adhesion, but jolting and contamination occur due to solidifying paraffin
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the paraffin bath into two separate chambers: a lower chamber containing the cassette and a upper chamber containing the liquid paraffin. This segmentation allows the paraffin to be applied to the sample without submerging the entire cassette, thereby preventing jolting and contamination while still achieving sample detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a conventional single-chamber paraffin bath to a multi-level chamber system where the paraffin is introduced from above into a separate upper chamber. This dimensional change allows controlled paraffin application to the sample surface without submerging the cassette, eliminating the harmful effects of solidifying paraffin while maintaining detachment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If valves and conduits are used to control liquid flow, then the liquid level can be regulated, but maintenance requirements increase and complexity arises
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a wick-based liquid transport mechanism that automatically regulates liquid flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber without requiring external valves or conduits. The wick structure self-regulates the liquid level through capillary action, eliminating complex valve systems and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining precise liquid level control.
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 precise and controlled detachment of samples with minimal disruption and reduced risk of contamination, suitable for automated processing, and eliminates the need for valves or conduits that come into contact with the liquid, making the process more efficient and maintenance-free.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid paraffin is heated
Implementation Method 2
a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette, for example as a result of solidification of an embedding medium within a cassette. The sample is immobilized in a sample receiving chamber above a first fill level of a liquid that is suitable for counteracting the adhesion; and that the fill level of the liquid is then elevated at least until said level reaches the sample. An apparatus according to the present invention that can be used for carrying out the method comprises a sample receiving chamber and an adjusting chamber, the adjusting chamber being connected to the sample receiving chamber in such a way that a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber.