Sectionable Tissue Cassette with Rigid Frame and Frangible Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sample handling and processing in pathology labs is labor-intensive, prone to human error, and costly due to the use of expensive sectionable plastics and rigid materials, which limits innovation and increases the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Innovation Solution
A histologic tissue sample support device comprising a tissue cassette made of sectionable plastic, coupled to a more rigid frame via a frangible connector, and a lid that moves with the cassette to expose it for sectioning in a microtome, reducing handling steps and human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame is used to support the tissue cassette, then structural stability is improved, but the overall device becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid frame providing structural stability and a sectionable plastic cassette containing the tissue sample. These segments are connected through a frangible connector that allows the cassette to be easily removed from the frame, enabling the frame to be reused multiple times while maintaining stability during the embedding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials with complementary properties: a rigid frame material (such as metal or rigid plastic) for structural support and a sectionable plastic material for the cassette that can be cut with a microtome. This composite approach allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If expensive sectionable plastics are used for the cassette, then the ability to section tissue is improved, but material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the expensive sectionable plastic cassette from the reusable rigid frame. The cassette, made of sectionable plastic, is designed to be single-use and discarded after the tissue is embedded and sectioned, while the frame is reused multiple times. This segmentation reduces overall material costs by eliminating the need for expensive reusable sectionable plastic frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette is designed as a disposable component made from relatively inexpensive sectionable plastic. After serving its purpose of containing and protecting the tissue sample during embedding, the cassette is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need for expensive reusable sectionable plastic frames and reducing material costs in the long run.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of tissue samples is performed, then flexibility in processing is improved, but the risk of human error and repetitive stress injuries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to facilitate automated processing while maintaining operational flexibility. The rigid frame with its standardized structure and the attached cassette can be easily loaded into automated embedding machines and microtomes, reducing the need for manual handling and increasing processing efficiency while minimizing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the tissue cassette from the frame through a frangible connector, the device enables automated handling where the frame can be manipulated by machines while the cassette remains attached during embedding. The connector can be broken during automated transfer, reducing manual intervention and associated errors.
4Productivity
If the lid moves with the cassette to expose it for sectioning, then processing efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is merged with the cassette assembly, allowing it to move together as a single unit. This integration ensures that the lid and cassette remain properly aligned during the embedding process, while enabling efficient exposure of the tissue sample for sectioning without requiring separate manipulation of the lid and cassette, thus improving productivity without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to be movable relative to the frame, transitioning from a closed position during embedding to an open position for sectioning. This dynamic capability allows the same device to serve multiple functions in different stages of processing, improving efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through controlled movement mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue cassette, a frame, a lid, and a frame-cassette connector. The tissue cassette formed of a first material has a recess including a body with at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette is movably coupled to the frame by a frame-cassette connector. The lid is coupled to the frame. The lid and the tissue cassette are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame, and in the second position the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in a microtome.