Inkjet Cassette Printing With In-Printer Readability Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing histology laboratory processes for preparing tissues for microscopic examination are inefficient and lack automation in applying identifiers to sample carriers such as cassettes, leading to potential errors and manual handling challenges.
Innovation Solution
An inkjet printer is designed to automatically print identifiers, such as barcodes, directly onto tissue cassettes, integrating with a cassette handling system that includes a hopper, magazine, and a print engine to streamline the process and enhance tracking and processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification methods are used for tissue cassettes, then device complexity is low, but productivity and tracking efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification methods with an automated inkjet printing system that uses thermal or piezoelectric mechanisms to deposit ink directly onto cassettes. This substitution of manual operations with automated mechanical/thermal processes resolves the contradiction by significantly improving processing efficiency while the integrated nature of the printing system keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service identification where the inkjet printing device automatically prints identifiers on cassettes as they pass through the histology processing system, without requiring manual intervention. The automated conveyor and printing mechanisms work together to provide continuous, hands-free identification, thereby improving productivity while the system's integration into the existing workflow minimizes additional complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated inkjet printing is implemented, then manufacturing precision and tracking accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thermal or piezoelectric mechanisms in the inkjet printing system to achieve precise droplet deposition of ink onto cassettes. These physical principles enable accurate positioning and controlled deposition of identifiers, improving manufacturing precision while the use of well-established physical mechanisms keeps the implementation feasible and the complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The inkjet printing system is designed to be multi-functional, capable of printing various types of identifiers including barcodes, text, and other tracking information on different cassette types. This universality allows a single system to handle multiple identification needs, improving tracking accuracy while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Loss of time
If manual handling of cassettes is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time and labor efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous automated conveyor system that transports cassettes through the inkjet printing station without interruption. This continuous operation eliminates the start-stop nature of manual handling, reducing the time lost during cassette transfer operations. The automated system maintains constant motion and processing, thereby minimizing time loss while the integration of conveyor and printing functions into a single coordinated system keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs self-service cassette handling where the conveyor automatically positions and transports cassettes to and from the printing station without human intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual picking, positioning, and handling operations, significantly reducing time loss. The system's ability to autonomously manage cassette movement while coordinating with the printing process resolves the contradiction by minimizing time loss through automation that is integrated into the existing workflow.
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 automates the printing of identifiers on cassettes, improving processing efficiency, reducing errors, and enabling better tracking and management of tissue samples throughout the histological workflow.
Implementation Method 1
an inkjet cartridge operable to print the identifier on the cassette
Implementation Method 2
an inkjet cartridge operable to print the identifier on the cassette
Data Source
AI summary
A printer including a housing including: (1) an entrance opening operable for an introduction of one or more cassettes or cassette frames into the housing; (2) a print engine sub-assembly including: (a) an inkjet cartridge holder operable to accept an inkjet cartridge; and a heater; (3) a chute disposed between the entrance opening and the print engine; and (4) a processor including non-transitory machine-readable instructions to: (a) direct a conveyance of a cassette or cassette frame introduced in the entrance opening to the print engine; and (b) direct the heater to at least one of heat a face of the cassette or cassette frame before and after a print operation. A method including: heating a face of a cassette or cassette frame; and after heating, printing an identifier on the face of the cassette or cassette frame using an inkjet printing process. A method including: placing a cassette or cassette frame inside an inkjet printer; printing an identifier on a face of the cassette or cassette frame using an inkjet printing process; reading the identifier while the cassette or frame is inside the inkjet printer; automatically determining if the identifier is readable and correct; and if the identifier is determined to be not readable or not correct, printing on the identifier on the face of the cassette or frame using the inkjet printer to destroy or mar the identifier.