Pathology Slide Carrier Geometry for Precise Batch Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of manufacturing pathology slides is complex and time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple tissue or fluid samples from multiple patients, as it involves numerous steps and operations.
Innovation Solution
A slide carrier and gripper system with specific geometric configurations and gripper orientations are used to efficiently handle and process pathology slides, including a slide platform with angled surfaces and gripper fingers with grooves and protrusions to apply compression forces in various directions, facilitating precise handling and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual methods are used for manufacturing pathology slides, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The slide manufacturing process is divided into discrete automated steps: sample collection, processing, staining, and mounting. Each step is performed by specialized robotic modules that handle specific tasks, transforming a complex manual process into manageable automated segments that increase productivity while reducing overall process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with universal components that can handle multiple slide types and processing variations. The mechanical arm and gripper system can accommodate different sample formats and processing protocols, allowing the automated system to maintain flexibility while improving manufacturing efficiency
2Productivity
If multiple slides from multiple patients are manufactured simultaneously, then productivity increases, but handling and processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide carrier utilizes a tilted platform geometry where slides are arranged at specific angles relative to the platform surface. This angular arrangement in three-dimensional space allows multiple slides to be held in a compact configuration while maintaining individual accessibility, enabling batch processing without proportionally increasing handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tilted slide carrier acts as an intermediary device between the robotic gripper and the slides. The carrier's specific geometric configuration with tilted surfaces and barriers provides a standardized interface that simplifies robotic manipulation, allowing the system to efficiently manage multiple slides without directly increasing operational complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If precise handling of slides is achieved through specialized carriers and grippers, then manufacturing accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide carrier employs asymmetric geometric features including tilted platforms at specific angles, barriers positioned at particular locations, and grooves with specific orientations. These asymmetric elements create unique mechanical interfaces that guide slide placement with high precision while the overall carrier structure remains a simple, manufacturable component
Solution Approach 2:
The tilted platform geometry and barrier configuration enable slides to self-align and self-position during the placement process. The mechanical design utilizes gravity and geometric constraints to automatically guide slides into correct positions, reducing the need for complex active control systems while maintaining high manufacturing precision
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 enhances the efficiency and accuracy of slide manufacturing by enabling precise handling and processing of multiple slides, reducing the complexity and time required for slide production.
Implementation Method 1
the slide is allowed to shift locations on the slide platform to register at a predetermined location on the slide platform
Data Source
AI summary
A slide carrier includes: a base support; and a slide platform having a surface that is parallel to a first plane defined by a first vector and a second vector, wherein a vector extending in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is normal with respect to a second plane defined by a third vector and a fourth vector, an angle between the first vector and the third vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the second vector and the fourth vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.