Automated Slide Cassette Washing via Gravity Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen staining apparatuses require manual washing of the cassette to remove adhering staining liquid, which is inefficient and labor-intensive for repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A slide processing apparatus with a liquid transporter and controller that automates the staining and washing processes by transporting staining and washing liquids within the cassette, ensuring reliable removal of adhering liquids without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual washing is used to remove staining liquid from the cassette, then the staining liquid can be removed, but labor is required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is designed with a liquid discharge port that enables automatic drainage of staining liquid and washing liquid. The cassette serves itself by allowing liquids to flow out through the discharge port using gravity, eliminating the need for manual washing operations and enabling efficient repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid discharge port extracts the harmful staining liquid and washing liquid from the cassette automatically. By providing a dedicated discharge pathway, the system removes the need for manual intervention to eliminate these liquids, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and productivity.
2Productivity
If the cassette is used repeatedly without washing, then efficiency improves, but staining liquid adheres inside the cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid discharge port continuously extracts staining liquid and washing liquid from the cassette during repeated use cycles. This extraction mechanism ensures the cassette remains clean without requiring manual washing, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge port enables continuous removal of liquids throughout the repeated use cycles. Rather than requiring periodic manual washing interruptions, the system maintains continuous liquid discharge functionality, ensuring the cassette stays clean while maximizing productivity.
3Extent of automation
If a liquid discharge port is provided in the cassette, then automatic drainage is enabled, but the cassette structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid discharge port utilizes hydraulic principles (gravity-driven liquid flow) to achieve automatic drainage. By leveraging natural liquid flow characteristics, the system automates the drainage process without requiring complex mechanical or electronic components, thus minimizing structural complexity while maximizing automation.
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 apparatus significantly reduces labor and ensures effective cleaning of the cassette, allowing for repeated use without manual washing, thereby improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid transporter for transporting a staining liquid reserved in a first liquid container and a washing liquid reserved in a second liquid container
Data Source
AI summary
A slide processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprise a liquid transporter for transporting a staining liquid reserved in a first liquid container and a washing liquid reserved in a second liquid container; a first instruction receiver for receiving a first instruction that instructs to initiate preparation of a slide stained with the staining liquid; a second instruction receiver for receiving a second instruction that instructs to initiate washing of a housing element which accommodates therein a slide to be stained; and a controller. When receiving the first instruction, the controller performs staining of the slide accommodated in the housing element by causing the liquid transporter to transport the staining liquid into the housing element. When receiving the second instruction, the controller performs washing of the housing element by causing the liquid transport to transport the washing liquid into the housing element.