Histology Tissue Embedding Apparatus LED Lighting and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue embedding machines often suffer from poor illumination, obstructive lighting, clogged drainage systems, and inefficient wax removal processes, which hinder the embedding and processing of tissue samples.
Innovation Solution
The histology tissue embedding apparatus incorporates dedicated LED lighting for improved illumination, a wax trimmer with a heated corrugated surface for efficient wax removal, and a removable waste receptacle system with drainage means to prevent clogging, along with a document holder for convenient note access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting is used in embedding machines, then illumination is provided, but the lighting gets in the way of the equipment operator and quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/incandescent lighting systems with LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology. This substitution provides superior illumination quality while the compact LED design eliminates the obstruction problems associated with traditional lighting fixtures, allowing unobtrusive placement that does not interfere with operator movement or workspace accessibility.
2Productivity
If drainage tubes are used to drain paraffin wax, then wax can be drained from the reservoir, but the tubes get clogged-up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic narrow drainage tubes from the system. Instead of using tube-based drainage that is prone to clogging, the design opens up the drainage pathway, allowing wax to drain directly into a waste receptacle without passing through constricted tube sections where clogs would form. This eliminates the reliability issue while maintaining drainage efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed trigger position is used, then the nozzle control is stable, but the space between trigger and outlet valve cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustability to the trigger mechanism, allowing the trigger position to be dynamically repositioned along a portion of its structure. This enables optimization of the space between the trigger and outlet valve for improved operator comfort and workspace ergonomics, while the adjustable design maintains operational stability when positioned and locked at the desired location.
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 apparatus provides enhanced lighting for precise sample handling, facilitates easy wax removal and drainage, and keeps the workspace organized, improving the overall efficiency and usability of the embedding process.
Implementation Method 1
heating means which are usable to heat the reservoir so as to maintain the embedding medium (e.g. paraffin wax) in a molten, liquid, state
Implementation Method 2
the corrugated surface is heated so as to further facilitate the removal of the excess embedding medium
Data Source
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AI summary
A histology tissue embedding apparatus including a reservoir for an embedding medium, an outlet valve connected to the reservoir for dispensing a tissue embedding medium into a tissue mould, and a working area below the nozzle in which the operator holds a tissue mould in use, wherein the equipment housing incorporates one or more LED lights to illuminate the working area.