Automated IFa Slide Preparation Machinery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic analysis of biological samples in autoimmunity is not fully automated, requiring continuous operator presence and leading to prolonged processing times and sample deterioration due to manual handling and limited automation in slide preparation and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated machinery system that includes a loading station, positioning station, containment station, and analysis station with a digital microscope for complete scanning and interpretation, allowing semi-automatic insertion of samples, automatic slide preparation, and remote digital slide analysis, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing sample deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling and limited automation are used in slide preparation and analysis, then device complexity is reduced, but processing time is prolonged and sample deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into distinct functional modules: a loading station for sample insertion, a positioning station for slide placement, a containment station for cover slide application, and an analysis station with digital microscope. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, achieving comprehensive automation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If continuous operator presence is required for manual slide preparation, then manufacturing precision can be maintained through human judgment, but productivity is reduced and processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to perform sample insertion at the loading station, after which the automated machinery independently completes slide preparation, cover slide application, and digital analysis without requiring continuous operator presence. The system serves itself through automated fluid handling, positioning mechanisms, and image acquisition, dramatically improving productivity while reducing manual intervention to minimal initial and final steps.
3Loss of time
If manual assembly of cover slides is performed, then manufacturing precision can be controlled, but processing time is prolonged and sample deterioration risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical assembly of cover slides with an automated application mechanism at the containment station. This mechanism precisely positions and applies cover slides using controlled mechanical movement, eliminating the time-consuming manual handling process while maintaining or improving positioning precision through automated control systems and standardized positioning features.
4Measurement precision
If slides are prepared manually and read at traditional microscope, then measurement precision can be maintained through operator judgment, but loss of time occurs due to rapid signal decay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary digital image acquisition and analysis immediately after cover slide application at the analysis station with digital microscope. By capturing high-resolution images and conducting automated analysis before the fluorescent signal decays, the system preserves measurement precision while eliminating the time constraint associated with manual reading. The digital images serve as permanent records that can be reviewed later without signal loss.
5Extent of automation
If automatic preparers are used that provide slides for manual assembly, then productivity is improved, but extent of automation is reduced and sample deterioration still occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the automatic preparer functions with the cover slide application and digital analysis functions into a single integrated automated workflow. The loading station, positioning station, containment station, and analysis station operate sequentially without manual intervention between steps, combining multiple previously separate operations into one continuous automated process that eliminates manual assembly time and maximizes the extent of automation.
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 system enables a completely walkaway process with digital conservation of slides, reducing operator presence, optimizing processing times, and ensuring accurate and repeatable analysis without signal decay, allowing for remote viewing and analysis of slides without loss of information.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorophore is a fluorochrome, generally fluorescein, which absorbing ultraviolet rays emits a green light and therefore an observable light with an illuminated microscope.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention concerns a machinery (1) for the preparation and the analysis of one or more slides (100) according to an immunofluorescence technique. The machinery comprises: - A loading station (15, 16, 17) suitable for the arrangement of one or more containers for the containment of test liquids and/or samples of product; - A positioning station (22) of one. or more slides (100); - A containment station (19) of one or more slide- covers (25); - An analysis station (23) comprising a microscope for the digital acquisition of the images at one or more magnifications; - An assembly (10). mobile inside the area defined by said machinery and controlled in such a way as to move through said stations (15, 16, 17; 19; 22; 23) so as to prepare one or more slides in accordance with a predefined protocol and arrange said slide/s in the corresponding analysis station (23) for a subsequent acquisition of one or more digital images; - One or more covers (21) of such a size as to be applied to cover each slide arranged in the seat (30); - A container (31) for the containment of one or more of said covers (21); - And wherein the assembly (10) is further controlled to operate the removal of the cover/s (21), once the phase of pre-dilution of the samples has been completed, and arrange it/them inside the container (31).