Slide Tray Assembly with Indented Cover for Hydrated Slide Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated staining apparatuses face challenges in maintaining hydration of tissue samples on slides during processing, leading to potential dehydration and damage, particularly in the output module where slides are left for varying lengths of time before retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A slide tray assembly with voids and a pivotable cover design allows for both robotic and manual access, ensuring slides remain hydrated for up to twelve hours by incorporating indentations and hydration chambers, while also facilitating easy cleaning and maintaining positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slides are stored in the output module for extended periods, then throughput is improved, but slides dehydrate and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a controlled environment within the slide tray assembly that protects slides from dehydration. The enclosed tray with lid forms an inert environment relative to the external air, maintaining humidity levels necessary to prevent tissue sample dehydration during extended storage in the output module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the output module into multiple slide tray assemblies, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows slides to be stored in controlled environments within individual trays while maintaining overall system throughput, resolving the contradiction between extended storage and dehydration prevention.
2Extent of automation
If the slide tray assembly is designed for robotic access, then automation is improved, but operator access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable lid on the slide tray assembly that can be opened by operators when needed. This dynamic element allows the system to switch between automated operation mode (lid closed for robotic access) and manual intervention mode (lid open for operator access), resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide tray assembly is designed as a separate, accessible unit within the output module. This segmentation allows operators to access specific trays independently without disrupting the entire automated system, maintaining both high automation levels and operator accessibility.
3Ease of repair
If the slide tray assembly is designed for manual cleaning, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the slide tray assembly as a modular, separable unit with a removable lid and tray components. This segmentation allows operators to disassemble and clean individual components manually while the precision-machined interfaces and positioning features ensure that manufacturing accuracy is maintained after reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lid and tray components are designed with precise but simple mechanical interfaces that allow easy manual operation for cleaning while maintaining tight tolerances during operation. The dynamic design enables disassembly for cleaning without compromising the precision required for robotic slide handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A slide tray assembly for an slide input module or an slide output module of an automated treatment apparatus for treating tissue samples disposed on slides, the slide tray assembly comprising: a slide tray; and a slide tray cover adjacent to the slide tray forming one or more voids between the slide tray and the slide tray cover for receiving slides therein, wherein the slide tray cover comprises an indent at one end of the slide tray cover so that a slide handling robot of the automated treatment apparatus and an operator of the automated treatment apparatus can access the slides in the voids via the indent.