Histological Support Shelf for Uniform Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing histological systems for automatic processing of samples with robotic handling face challenges in uniform fluid flow over samples, leading to inconsistent sample preparation due to open-top containers and variable designs.
Innovation Solution
A support shelf for histological containers is designed with a downward angle and wicking end support to enhance fluid flow, featuring side rails and guide rails for maintaining slide stability and separation, maximizing specimen exposure to reagents while reducing processing costs.
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 flow over samples deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A support shelf structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the open-top container and the histological samples. The shelf provides a controlled platform with specific geometric features (downward angle, raised edges, wicking end support) that mediate fluid flow while maintaining robotic accessibility through the open container design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shelf incorporates localized structural variations including a downward angle toward the front edge, raised edges at specific locations, and a wicking end support structure. These local quality modifications create controlled fluid flow patterns and capillary wicking zones that ensure uniform reagent distribution across samples while preserving open container access.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are processed in small spaces, then productivity is improved, but fluid flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support shelf is divided into multiple discrete sample positioning zones, each with its own localized fluid flow control features. This segmentation allows multiple histological samples to be processed simultaneously in compact spaces while maintaining uniform fluid distribution across each individual sample through dedicated wicking zones and flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shelf utilizes a three-dimensional structure with vertical height variations (raised edges, downward angles, wicking end support extending above the sample) to control fluid flow in multiple dimensions. This dimensional approach enables uniform fluid distribution across multiple samples in a compact footprint by directing flow through vertical and angular pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard container sizes are used for interchangeability, then adaptability is improved, but fluid flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support shelf is designed as a universal component that fits within standard histological container dimensions, enabling interchangeability between different manufacturers' systems. The shelf performs multiple functions including sample support, fluid flow distribution, capillary wicking, and sample positioning, all within the standardized container footprint, thereby achieving both adaptability and precise fluid 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
The solution ensures consistent and efficient exposure of histological samples to reagents, improving the quality of sample preparation and reducing processing expenses by promoting uniform fluid flow and stability across multiple slides.
Implementation Method 1
the end support can encourage wicking to a wicking end support of the shelf in a controlled manner to maximize exposure of the specimen to the reagent and other fluids
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a support shelf for a histological container for use with multiple histological samples. The container can include shelf supports on interior sides of the container and orient the shelf at a downward angle for fluid flow. The shelf can support a plurality of sample slides across a support surface. The shelf can include an end support to maintain the slide on the support surface. To control fluid flow across the slide, the end support can encourage wicking to a wicking end support of the shelf in a controlled manner to maximize exposure of the specimen to the reagent and other fluids and reduce costs and expense of processing. Side rails at the side of the shelf help maintain slides on the shelf, and guide rails disposed inwardly from the side rails help maintain separation of the multiple slides placed on the shelf support surface.