Pantograph Tissue Array Apparatus Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing tissue arrays are time-consuming and face challenges in accurately locating marked sites on tissue blocks and reliably introducing tissue cores into paraffin blocks, especially due to the small diameter of the cores and the complexity of existing automated devices.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pantograph with scissor arms and a positioning array allows for precise and reliable positioning of hollow needles above the tissue or paraffin block, enabling accurate transfer of tissue cores, with the pantograph ensuring all movements occur in one plane and the positioning array facilitating easy mapping of marked positions onto the paraffin block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used to locate marked sites on tissue blocks, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the positioning accuracy and reliability of tissue core transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pantograph as an intermediary mechanical device between the operator and the hollow needle. The pantograph with its scissor arms and positioning array acts as a mediator that translates gross manual movements into precise, constrained needle positioning. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate tissue core transfer without requiring complex automated systems, thus resolving the contradiction between simple apparatus structure and high positioning accuracy.
2Productivity
If automated devices with multiple independent needles are used, then the productivity and automation extent improve, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple needle functions into a single integrated hollow needle assembly mounted on the pantograph. Instead of using multiple independent needles as in prior art, this single needle performs both punching and tissue core extraction functions sequentially. This merging approach maintains productivity while significantly reducing device complexity and operational difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable pantograph mechanism with scissor arms that can adapt their position and orientation. The positioning array with adjustable arms allows the single needle to dynamically reach different locations on the tissue block, enabling efficient production of multiple tissue cores without requiring multiple fixed needles, thus improving productivity while keeping the device simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hollow needles operate independently, then the adaptability for different array configurations improves, but the ease of operation and reliability of tissue core introduction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the single hollow needle and pantograph system to be universally applicable for different tissue array configurations. The positioning array with multiple adjustable arms allows the same simple needle assembly to adapt to various array patterns and dimensions. This universal design maintains operational simplicity while achieving the adaptability previously requiring multiple specialized needles.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for producing a tissue array is described. At least one receiver block (1), and at least one donor block (2) that comprises tissue (3) to be investigated, are provided, a first hollow needle (4) for creating a cavity in the receiver block (1), and a second hollow needle (5) for removing a sample from the tissue (3) and introducing the sample (3) into the cavity of the receiver block (1), being present. A pantograph (6) is provided for positioning the first and/or the second hollow needle (4; 5) above the receiver block (1).