Slide Staining Device Using Linear Spreading and Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current staining methods for organic materials on slides face challenges such as inter-sample contamination, high reagent consumption, and waste production, especially when using automated systems.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for staining organic materials on slides positioned in a horizontal orientation, utilizing a sliding support with a spreading and suction mechanism to apply and remove staining fluids efficiently, minimizing fluid consumption and preventing contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated immersion staining is used, then staining efficiency is improved, but inter-sample contamination occurs and reagent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaining efficiencyVSAvoidinter-sample contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the staining process into individual slide treatments rather than batch processing. Each slide is stained separately by moving it through a series of staining stations, eliminating cross-contamination between samples while maintaining automated efficiency. The linear element processes slides one at a time through discrete staining zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a linear element as an intermediary mechanism that transports slides through staining stations without direct contact between slides and staining baths. This intermediary system allows controlled exposure to stains while preventing mixing between different samples, resolving the contamination issue while preserving automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated immersion staining is used, then staining efficiency is improved, but reagent consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaining efficiencyVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies staining reagents in controlled, minimal amounts exactly where needed on each slide rather than submerging slides in large volumes of reagent. The linear element delivers precise portions of stain to the slide surface, reducing overall reagent consumption while maintaining staining effectiveness and automated throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of substance

If manual staining is used, then reagent consumption is reduced, but staining precision and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent consumptionVSAvoidstaining consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated mechanisms for precise reagent delivery and slide handling, eliminating human variability in the staining process. The linear element automatically positions and treats each slide with consistent precision, achieving both low reagent consumption and high staining consistency through self-regulating automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If slides are processed in batches, then throughput is improved, but cross-contamination between slides occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidcross-contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the batch processing into individual slide treatments within an automated sequence. Each slide passes through dedicated staining stations in succession, maintaining high throughput by eliminating idle time while preventing cross-contamination through physical separation of samples during the staining process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution reduces reagent consumption and waste generation, eliminates the risk of inter-sample contamination, and allows for precise control over the staining process, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.

Implementation Method 1

at least one suction means for suctioning the staining fluid and/or the rinsing fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12287262B2Device and method of staining an organic material on a slide

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 DIAGDEV

AI summary

Disclosed is a device (10) for staining an organic element on at least one slide (105), said slide defining an axis (110) contained within the plane of the slide, the device being characterized in that it comprises:at least one slide support on which is positioned the slide holding the organic element,at least one means (115) for spreading a staining fluid and/or a rinsing fluid on the slide, which means is paired with a means for relative displacement in translation in relation to the slide and along the axis of said slide, the spreading means having a linear element (120) extending along an axis perpendicular to the axis of the slide and supplied with spreading fluid, andat least one suction means (115) for suctioning the staining fluid and/or the rinsing fluid, said suction means being paired with a means for relative displacement in translation in relation to the slide along the axis of said slide.