Piezoelectric Nebulization Head for Cytology Slide Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cytological and histological preparation processing methods face challenges such as reagent overconsumption, contamination, and inefficient penetration due to static electricity and reagent volume, leading to increased costs and pollution, as well as manual errors and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a carousel with a nebulization head using a piezoelectric element to precisely deposit reagents directly onto slides, reducing reagent usage and minimizing static interference, integrated with automated rinsing and drying systems, and traceability features to optimize reagent use and processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual staining methods with trays are used, then multiple slides can be processed simultaneously, but reagent overconsumption and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the staining process into individual slide processing units, where each slide receives reagent through a dedicated nozzle. This segmentation allows precise control of reagent application to each slide separately, eliminating the need to submerge entire trays in reagent, thus reducing reagent consumption while maintaining the ability to process multiple slides simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical immersion system (trays submerged in reagent) with a non-contact nebulization system that delivers reagent as a fine spray or droplets directly to the slide surface. This substitution eliminates the need for large reagent volumes while achieving uniform coverage, resolving the contradiction between processing capacity and reagent consumption.
2Ease of operation
If manual staining methods are used, then flexibility in processing is maintained, but contamination and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of slides and trays with an automated system that uses non-contact nebulization for reagent application. This eliminates the risk of contamination from manual manipulation and basket handling, while the automated control system maintains flexibility through programmable processing parameters and sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-cleaning nozzles and automated rinsing mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual intervention between processing cycles. The nozzles automatically clean themselves by rinsing with solvent, preventing cross-contamination between slides while maintaining operational flexibility without requiring manual disassembly or cleaning.
3Device complexity
If immersion tanks are used, then simple processing is achieved, but reagent penetration to crevices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive immersion mechanism with an active nebulization system that propels reagent droplets onto the slide surface at controlled velocities. This allows reagent to penetrate into crevices and irregularities of the tissue sections through the kinetic energy of the spray, achieving superior penetration quality while maintaining system simplicity through the use of standard nebulization components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic pulsing of the nebulization nozzles to deliver reagent in controlled bursts, allowing penetration into crevices during each pulse cycle. This periodic action ensures thorough coverage of complex tissue structures while maintaining simple device architecture, as the pulsing is achieved through standard solenoid or piezoelectric actuators.
4Productivity
If automated staining automata are used, then processing speed increases, but reagent overconsumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tray-immersion automation system with a non-contact nebulization system that delivers reagent as a fine aerosol or droplet spray. This substitution maintains high processing speed through automated slide transport and rapid sequential processing, while dramatically reducing reagent consumption by applying only the minimum necessary volume to each slide surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies reagent locally to each slide through individually addressed nozzles, rather than submerging entire trays. This local quality approach allows the automated system to process multiple slides in sequence or parallel with precise reagent dosing, achieving both high productivity and low reagent consumption by matching reagent application exactly to the needs of each slide.
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
This solution significantly reduces reagent consumption and pollution, minimizes errors, ensures better reagent penetration, and enhances processing speed and quality, while maintaining traceability of reagents used in the analysis.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a piezoelectric element and a volume of a reagent such that said nebulization head expels at least one drop of reagent under the effect of the deformation of said piezoelectric element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (500) for processing a cytological or histological preparation (401), characterized in that said device (401) includes: a carousel (300), comprising at least one space (302) for receiving a blade (400) for receiving a cytological or histological preparation (401), said carousel (300) being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (304); a nebulizing head (100) that passes above said carousel (300), comprising said piezoelectric element (120) and a space for said reagent such that said nebulizing head (100) ejects at least one drop of reagent as a result of the deformation of said piezoelectric element (120).