Slide Stainer With Independent Heating Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dip and dunk slide stainers require processes to be completed sequentially, leading to delays and reduced efficiency due to varying processing times for different slides and reagents, causing backups in the staining process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes multiple heating stations and processing stations with a lifting device and controller to independently control temperatures and position slides in a non-sequential order, allowing simultaneous or staggered processing of slides in different stations to optimize throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple heating stations are used to process slides simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent heating stations (first heating station, second heating station, third heating station) that can process different sets of slides simultaneously. Each heating station operates independently with its own temperature control, allowing parallel processing of multiple slide batches without requiring a single complex processing chamber.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent temperature control of multiple heating stations is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides dynamic and independent temperature control for each heating station, allowing the system to adapt to different processing requirements for different slide sets. Each heating station can be programmed with different temperature profiles, heating times, and processing sequences, enabling flexible adaptation to various staining protocols and reagent requirements.
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
This configuration enables efficient processing of slides by allowing multiple slides to be treated concurrently, reducing delays and enhancing the overall efficiency of the staining process.
Implementation Method 1
heating the first set of specimen slides with the first heating station to remove a coating from the first set of specimen slides
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for treating hematological, cytological, or histological specimens deposited on slides are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a first heating station, a second heating station, and at least one processing station adapted to receive specimen slides. A lifting device moves a first set of the specimen slides and a second set of the specimen slides among the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station. A controller independently controls the temperature of the first and second heating stations and selectively positions each of the first and second sets of specimen slides within at least two of the first heating station, the second heating station, and the at least one processing station.