Sample Carrier Imaging Before Coverslipping Delays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for imaging biological samples under a microscope require waiting for the mounting medium to cure, which can take several days, leading to delays and potential image artifacts due to leaks or bubbles, affecting the reliability and efficiency of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that images biological samples before applying a coverslip, using a transport unit to move samples between receiving, imaging, and coverslipping positions, allowing for immediate high-quality imaging and parallel processing of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mounting medium is allowed to cure completely before imaging, then the sample is preserved properly and artifacts are avoided, but the imaging process is delayed by several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the imaging operation before the mounting medium is fully cured. The sample carrier is transported to the imaging position and imaged while the mounting medium is still in a workable state, eliminating the need to wait several days for complete curing. This resolves the contradiction by capturing the sample at an optimal intermediate state that provides both timely imaging and acceptable preservation quality.
2Reliability
If the coverslip is applied while the mounting medium is still liquid, then the sample can be preserved, but the mounting medium may leak and cause artifacts under the coverslip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the imaging operation from the traditional sequence and performs it separately before coverslipping. By taking the imaging step out and executing it while the mounting medium is still liquid and the sample is accessible, the system avoids the artifact problem that would occur if imaging were attempted after coverslipping. The sample is then coverslipped for preservation, achieving both goals through sequential separation of operations.
3Reliability
If multiple sample carriers are processed in sequence, then each sample receives adequate attention, but the overall processing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing workflow into distinct modular stages: a receiving position for loading multiple sample carriers, a transport unit for moving them, an imaging position for imaging, and a coverslipping unit for preservation. This segmentation allows multiple sample carriers to be processed in sequence through each station, maintaining quality control while improving overall throughput compared to handling one complete sample at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by establishing a continuous flow system where sample carriers move sequentially through the receiving position, transport unit, imaging position, and coverslipping unit. This continuous workflow eliminates idle time between operations and allows multiple samples to be processed in an uninterrupted sequence, significantly enhancing productivity while maintaining consistent quality across all samples.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100, 200, 300) for imaging and coverslipping comprises a receiving position (102) configured to receive at least one sample carrier (408) configured to carry a sample, an imaging position (108, 108a, 108b, 108c) configured to receive the sample carrier (408), and an imaging unit (106, 106a, 106b, 106c) arranged at the imaging position (108, 108a, 108b, 108c). The imaging unit (106, 106a, 106b, 106c) is configured to image the sample through the sample carrier (408) when the sample carrier (408) is arranged in the imaging position (108, 108a, 108b, 108c). The device (100, 200, 300) further comprises a coverslipping unit (112, 112a, 112b, 112c) configured to apply a coverslip to the sample (408), and a transport unit (114) comprising at least one track (116, 116a, 116b, 116c). The transport unit (114) is configured to move the sample carrier (408) along the track (116, 116a, 116b, 116c) from the receiving position (102) to an imaging position (108, 108a, 108b, 108c), and from the imaging position (108, 108a, 108b, 108c) to the coverslipping unit (112, 112a, 112b, 112c).