Rotating Blade Tissue Cutter for Automated Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tissue sample processing methods are time-consuming, user-intensive, and require glass slides and staining, which can lead to tissue section damage and inefficient analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that cuts tissue samples into sections using a rotating blade while the sample remains stationary, captures images at different angles and wavelengths without staining, and generates three-dimensional representations for diagnostic purposes, using high-speed imaging devices to detect abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tissue sample processing methods are used with glass slides and staining, then tissue sections can be analyzed, but processing time is excessive and user intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical staining processes and manual slide preparation with an optical imaging system that captures tissue images directly through a transparent carrier. The image capture device with multiple wavelength capabilities eliminates the need for chemical staining, dramatically reducing processing time and automation potential
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of tissue sections through high-resolution imaging at multiple wavelengths. These digital images serve as substitutes for physical stained slides, enabling analysis without the time-consuming staining process while preserving all diagnostic information
2Ease of operation
If traditional staining methods are used, then tissue abnormalities can be detected, but the process is complex and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the staining step from the traditional tissue processing workflow. By using a transparent carrier that allows direct optical imaging, the system removes the complex staining process entirely while maintaining the ability to detect tissue abnormalities through multi-wavelength image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture device is designed with multi-wavelength capability that serves multiple functions: it replaces staining for abnormality detection, provides quantitative analysis capability, and enables digital archiving. This single device performs what traditionally required multiple separate processing steps
3Reliability
If glass slides and staining are used, then tissue sections can be examined, but tissue damage occurs and sections are fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent carrier that can be used repeatedly without damage to the tissue sections. Unlike traditional glass slides that require careful handling and can damage fragile tissue sections, the carrier system allows sections to remain intact during processing and imaging, eliminating the fragility issue
4Productivity
If traditional processing methods are used, then tissue samples can be analyzed, but the cost and time for processing are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of tissue sections through multi-wavelength imaging, eliminating the need for expensive chemical stains and repeated physical slide preparation. The digital images can be archived and re-analyzed without consuming additional materials, reducing both time and expense
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 approach reduces processing time and expense, minimizes tissue damage, and provides a more efficient and effective diagnostic tool for medical practitioners by eliminating the need for glass slides and staining, while allowing for improved analysis and storage of tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
The image capturing devices are configured to capture electromagnetic energy within various spectral bands, which allows for abnormalities to be detected when cells react with electromagnetic energy at different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided for cutting a tissue sample into a plurality of sections for automated tissue sample processing. The apparatus comprises a cutting mechanism and a holding mechanism. The cutting mechanism comprises a blade having a first reference line that extends from an attachment point of the blade to a rotation mechanism to an outermost point of the blade, and the rotation mechanism having a second reference line that extends from an axis point of the rotation mechanism to the attachment point, wherein the blade rotates around the axis point. The holding mechanism causes the tissue sample to remain stationary while the blade makes, at least, a first rotation around the axis point, resulting in a first tissue section cut from the tissue sample.