Rigid Specimen Slides for Automated Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen collection cards made of paper or cardboard are flimsy, prone to damage, and inadequate for automated handling, leading to specimen cross-contamination and slower processing times due to lack of structural stability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
Development of specimen collection slides with multiple rigid layers and a filtration media layer to provide structural support, prevent cross-contamination, and facilitate automated handling and processing, including methods for manufacturing and using these slides with integrated internal standards for analytical testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional paper or cardboard collection cards are used, then they are easy to manufacture and simple in structure, but they are flimsy, prone to damage, and lack structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining rigid support layers (plastic or metal) with filtration media layers to create a multi-layered slide structure. This composite construction provides the necessary structural stability and rigidity while maintaining the filtration functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the nesting principle by integrating the filtration media within the rigid support layers, creating a sandwich structure where the filtration layer is embedded between support layers. This nested arrangement provides structural protection and stability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If framed paper or cardboard collection cards are used, then they can encase the filter paper media, but when stacked, the filter paper medias contact each other causing sample cross contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid support layers in the composite slide structure extend beyond the filtration media edges, creating built-in spacing when slides are stacked. This design prevents direct contact between filtration media of adjacent slides, eliminating cross-contamination without requiring additional envelopes or packaging.
3Extent of automation
If conventional paper or cardboard collection cards are used, then they are simple in structure, but they are inadequate for automated handling and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid plastic or metal support layers provide the necessary rigidity and dimensional stability for automated handling systems to grasp, transport, and process the slides without damage. The standardized slide format with consistent dimensions facilitates automation while the composite structure maintains functional simplicity.
4Productivity
If conventional collection cards are used, then they have minimal structure, but processing times are slower due to manual handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid composite slide structure enables integration with automated liquid handling systems and high-throughput processing equipment, dramatically increasing processing speed. The standardized format and structural integrity allow for batch processing of multiple slides simultaneously, improving productivity while the modular design keeps structural complexity manageable.
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 solution provides durable, mechanically stable specimen collection slides that prevent cross-contamination, enable efficient automated handling, and reduce processing times while maintaining specimen integrity and stability for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a filtration media layer for retaining a sample residing between the first and second layers
Data Source
AI summary
Specimen collection slides, methods of fabricating and methods of utilizing such specimen collection slides whereby each specimen collection slide includes a top rigid layer with an opening, a bottom rigid layer with an opening substantially the same size as the top layer opening, a middle rigid section having an opening larger than the openings in both the top and bottom layers, and a filtration media residing within the opening in the middle section. The top, bottom and middle are secured together to provide the resultant slide with thickness and rigidity that lends the slide to be utilized in automated handling processes and instruments. The middle section of the slide encases the filtration media and sandwiches it between the top and bottom layers so that the filtration media is protected from damage. Each slide may have its own unique identifier.