Opposable Element Capillary Gap for Specimen Staining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing biological specimens on microscope slides are labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and result in inconsistent processing due to manual techniques and the use of large volumes of reagents, leading to waste and inefficiencies in staining processes, particularly in immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization staining.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses opposable elements to manipulate and direct liquids over the specimen surfaces via capillary action, controlling temperature and movement to manage small volumes of reagents, reduce waste, and achieve consistent processing, including histology, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual techniques are used to apply dyes or reagents to specimens, then flexibility in processing is maintained, but processing consistency deteriorates due to individual techniques among technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application of reagents with an automated capillary-based liquid delivery system. The opposable element creates a capillary gap that automatically draws liquid through capillary action, eliminating human variability while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control of the opposable element's position and movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses capillary action to enable the liquid to move itself through the gap between the opposable element and slide without requiring external pumping or forcing mechanisms. This self-driven liquid delivery ensures consistent flow rates and eliminates the need for complex mechanical delivery systems.
2Quantity of substance
If large volumes of reagents are used in processing, then complete coverage of specimens is achieved, but reagent waste increases and processing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The opposable element is positioned to create a localized capillary gap that delivers liquid precisely to the specimen area on the slide. This localized delivery ensures complete coverage of the specimen while minimizing reagent volume and preventing overflow or waste outside the specimen region.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses just enough liquid to fill the capillary gap and achieve complete specimen coverage, rather than applying excessive volumes. The capillary action naturally limits the liquid volume to what is needed, preventing waste while ensuring adequate reagent contact with the specimen.
3Ease of operation
If open containers are used to hold processing liquids, then accessibility for reagent application is improved, but evaporative losses and oxidative degradation increase altering reagent concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The opposable element acts as a flexible barrier that can be positioned close to the slide surface, creating a confined space that limits exposure of the reagent to the atmosphere. This reduces evaporative losses and oxidative degradation while maintaining the ability to apply reagents effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary gap between the opposable element and slide serves as an intermediary channel that delivers liquid from the reservoir to the specimen. This controlled delivery path protects the reagent from direct atmospheric exposure, minimizing evaporation and oxidation while ensuring reliable concentration.
4Manufacturing precision
If specimens are immersed in liquid baths for processing, then uniform treatment is achieved, but carryover of liquids between containers causes contamination and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the liquid delivery process from large open baths and confines it to a controlled capillary gap between the opposable element and slide. This eliminates the possibility of liquid carryover between containers while maintaining uniform treatment of the specimen through precise capillary-driven flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system is segmented into discrete, isolated liquid delivery zones for each specimen, rather than using shared liquid baths. Each specimen receives liquid through its own dedicated capillary gap, preventing cross-contamination while ensuring uniform treatment through controlled capillary action.
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 efficient, consistent, and reduced-waste processing of biological specimens by utilizing capillary action and controlled temperature to manage reagent volumes, improving staining uniformity and reducing reagent consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The opposable element is moved over a slide to move a band of liquid using capillary action
Implementation Method 2
a slide holder platen comprising a heater
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A specimen processing system is capable of processing specimens carried on slides. The specimen processing system can sequentially deliver slides and opposables to specimen processing stations. The specimen processing stations can use the opposables to apply a series of liquids to the specimens. The applied liquid can be moved along the slide using capillary action while the specimen processing stations control the processing temperatures. The applied liquid can be in a fluid-carrying gap. The opposable can contact the slide to vary a cross section of the fluid-carrying gap.