Multi-Level Microscope Slide Staining Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for treating tissue specimens on microscope slides are limited in their ability to perform multiple operations and have a non-compact design, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns with liquid handling.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function apparatus with distinct levels for different treatment operations, including a loading station, cover glass application, drying, and unloading, utilizing a conveyor system and control unit to automate the process, and a system for efficient liquid management with pumps and filters to minimize manual handling and exposure to hazardous fumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing apparatuses are used for treating tissue specimens, then staining operations can be performed, but the apparatus is limited in ability to perform multiple operations and has non-compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple functional levels (first level for staining operations, second level for cover glass application and drying) with separate stations for each operation. This segmentation allows multiple operations to be performed simultaneously or sequentially without interfering with each other, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-level horizontal arrangement to a multi-level vertical configuration. The first level contains staining stations while the second level above it contains cover glass application and drying stations. This vertical dimensionality change enables multiple operations to occur in parallel at different heights, increasing operational capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Productivity
If manual handling of microscope slides is used, then flexibility is maintained, but efficiency is reduced and exposure to hazardous fumes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus implements automated self-service handling where the conveyor system automatically transports carriers with microscope slides through various treatment stations without manual intervention. The system autonomously performs loading, staining, cover glass application, drying, and unloading operations, thereby significantly improving productivity while eliminating operator exposure to hazardous fumes generated during staining processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If liquid management is performed manually, then flexibility is maintained, but maintenance needs increase and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual liquid handling with an automated pump system that mechanically transfers liquids between reservoirs and treatment stations. The pump system is controlled by a controller that monitors and manages liquid flow automatically, eliminating the need for manual liquid management. This substitution improves reliability by reducing maintenance needs and eliminating safety risks associated with manual handling of chemical liquids, while the system remains relatively simple in design.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for automatic execution of different treatment operations in connection with staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises an assembly of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for staining of the tissue specimens, a loading station (2) for microscope slides (28), a conveyor (5) for transfer of carriers with microscope slides from vessel to vessel in accordance with a treatment program, an unloading station (8) for treated microscope slides, and a control unit (18) for controlling the treatment operations in accordance with a data program. The apparatus comprises different levels (I, II) having units for execution of the relevant treatment operations. Thus, a first level (I) comprises the loading station (2) and the assembly of said vessels (4) with the appurtenant conveyor (5) and a second level (II) comprises a station (6) for application of cover glasses on the stained microscope slides (28), a succeeding station (7) for drying of the cover-slipped microscope slides, and the unloading station (8), a means (9) being provided for gripping and transfer of carriers (10) with stained microscope slides from the first level (I) to the cover-slipping station (6) on the second level (II).