Batch Sample Staining Platform Using Surface-Tension Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample staining devices face challenges in balancing operation efficiency and equipment cost, with manual methods requiring high skill and low efficiency, and automatic devices having complex structures and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A sample staining device with a staining platform and slide driving mechanism that allows for simultaneous staining of multiple slides using a simple design, utilizing surface tension to diffuse liquid and a linear conveyance mechanism for efficient staining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of staining cassettes are used to stain each smear, then staining can be performed, but working efficiency is low and it is difficult to meet demands of large quantities of work
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple staining cassettes are merged into a single staining tray that can simultaneously hold and stain multiple smears. The tray integrates multiple cassette functions into one unified structure, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples without requiring separate transporting and holding mechanisms for each cassette, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The staining tray serves multiple functions: it holds multiple smears, provides staining liquid distribution, and enables simultaneous staining of multiple samples. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized mechanisms for each function, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If a staining tray is used to simultaneously stain a plurality of smears, then working efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes precise and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The staining tray is segmented into multiple independent compartments or positions, each capable of holding a smear. This segmentation allows multiple smears to be stained simultaneously while keeping each compartment's structure simple and modular, avoiding the need for a single complex integrated staining mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The staining liquid automatically distributes to multiple smears through capillary action or gravity-driven flow channels integrated into the tray structure. The system uses the properties of the staining liquid and the tray geometry itself to achieve uniform distribution without requiring complex pumping or control mechanisms, improving efficiency while maintaining simple structure
3Ease of operation
If transporting and holding mechanisms are provided to transport the stain cassette and hold the smears, then staining can be performed, but the structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex transporting and holding mechanisms are extracted and replaced by a simple linear conveyance system that moves the entire staining tray with all smears through the staining platform. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple separate mechanisms, maintaining operational ease while significantly reducing structural complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The staining tray acts as an intermediary carrier that simplifies the interaction between the staining liquid and multiple smears. Instead of requiring separate mechanisms to position and stain each smear individually, the tray mediates the process by holding all smears in a single accessible location, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation
4Productivity
If a moving mechanism for the stain tray is provided to move the smears to enter and exit the staining tray, then staining can be performed, but the structure becomes complex and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism for the stain tray is merged with the linear conveyance system that moves slides through the staining platform. This integration combines multiple movement functions into a single coordinated mechanism, improving productivity by enabling continuous flow while avoiding the complexity of separate moving mechanisms for each component
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 device achieves high-efficiency staining of large quantities of samples with reduced equipment complexity and cost, ensuring consistent staining results through precise control of liquid distribution and slide movement.
Implementation Method 1
The staining liquid forms a liquid film on the surface of the staining platform under a principle of surface tension
Implementation Method 2
the gap formed between the surface of the slide and the surface of the platform enables the staining working liquid to diffuse sufficiently to the entire sample area on the slide
Implementation Method 3
the liquid film formed by the staining liquid can sufficiently infiltrate the slide
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample staining device, comprising a staining platform (1) provided with a staining solution and cleaning solution supply part; glass slide support structures (3) located on either side of the staining platform (1) and forming a certain clearance between a glass slide (13) and the staining platform (1); and a glass slide driving mechanism (2) that enables the glass slide (13) to move while maintaining a certain clearance from the staining platform (1). When said device works, a staining solution is supplied to the staining platform (1), and a convex liquid surface is formed due to surface tension; when the glass slide (13) moves to the convex liquid surface of the staining solution, the staining solution infiltrates and diffuses in the clearance formed between the staining platform (1) and the glass slide (13) to cover the glass slide (13) so as to stain a sample; the staining time is determined by the movement stroke and speed of the glass slide (13) in a staining solution area; and after the glass slide (13) is stained, a cleaning solution is supplied to clean the residual staining solution, so as to finish the staining process. This design is simple in structure, being able to complete the staining of a plurality of glass slides (13) by driving same, by means of the glass slide driving mechanism (2), to pass through the staining platform (1) in sequence in a production line-like manner, having high work efficiency when being used for batch sample staining.