Slide Output Module Hydration Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated tissue sample staining apparatuses face challenges in maintaining hydration of slides with treated samples, leading to dehydration issues due to prolonged storage in output modules, which can damage the samples and limit throughput.
Innovation Solution
A slide output module with a tray assembly featuring voids between the tray and cover, equipped with a fluid inlet to form a hydration chamber, using DI water with specific surface tension and surface properties to maintain hydration for up to 12 hours, even if the apparatus is bumped, and includes features like recesses and rails to enhance meniscus formation and fluid propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slides are stored in the output module for extended periods, then throughput is improved, but dehydration of tissue samples occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hydration action by automatically dispensing fluid onto slides in the output module before they are removed by the operator. This preliminary hydration ensures that slides remain properly hydrated during extended storage periods, preventing dehydration damage while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The output module provides self-service hydration by incorporating an automatic fluid dispensing system that actively maintains slide hydration without requiring operator intervention. The system monitors and maintains humidity levels automatically, allowing slides to remain hydrated during extended storage periods.
2Productivity
If automated staining is performed with high throughput, then processing speed increases, but maintenance and calibration of moving parts becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the automated staining process into distinct modules (input module, treatment modules, output module), each with specialized functions. The output module is specifically segmented to handle hydration independently, reducing the complexity of maintaining moving parts while enabling high throughput processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The output module incorporates self-service features with automatic fluid dispensing and humidity maintenance, reducing the need for manual calibration and maintenance of moving parts. This automation maintains processing speed while simplifying operational complexity.
3Device complexity
If slides are kept in the output module without hydration, then device complexity is reduced, but sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The output module provides self-service hydration through automatic fluid dispensing and humidity control, maintaining sample integrity without requiring complex manual intervention systems. The structure remains relatively simple while reliability is improved through automated maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes environmental parameters (humidity levels) in the output module by automatically dispensing fluid and controlling moisture levels. This parameter control ensures sample integrity is maintained while the structural complexity remains manageable through automated environmental control.
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
Effectively maintains hydration of tissue samples on slides for extended periods, preventing dehydration and ensuring sample integrity, while allowing for efficient handling and processing without manual intervention, thereby enhancing throughput and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid (e.g. DI water) comprises a surface tension (e.g. 72.2 dynes/cm) configured to maintain hydration of the slide with the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The fluid forms a meniscus bound by the void ceiling and the slide to assist in maintaining hydration of the slide with the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A slide output module for an automated treatment apparatus for treating tissue samples disposed on slides, the slide output module comprising: a slide output tray assembly comprising a slide output tray adjacent to a slide output cover forming one or more voids between the slide output tray and the slide output tray cover for receiving slides therein, wherein the slide output tray cover comprises a first side with a fluid inlet in communication one of the voids, and a second side configured to form a hydration chamber with a slide in said one of the voids to maintain hydration of the slide with fluid received from the fluid inlet for a designated time following treatment of the slide by the automated staining apparatus.