Smear Preparing Apparatus Mode Control Staining Solution Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smear preparing apparatuses consume and waste excessive staining solutions due to lack of operational mode control, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller that allows selection of operation modes to control the supply of staining solution to the staining unit, reducing usage and waste by only supplying solution when staining processing is performed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the staining solution is continuously supplied to the staining unit, then the staining processing can be performed without interruption, but the usage amount and waste amount of the staining solution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation mode between automatic and manual based on real-time conditions. In automatic mode, the staining solution is supplied continuously to ensure processing continuity. In manual mode, the supply is controlled only when needed, reducing waste. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different modes (automatic/manual). In automatic mode, the parameter is set to continuous supply for reliability. In manual mode, the parameter is adjusted to on-demand supply to reduce waste. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different requirements and resolve the contradiction.
2Loss of substance
If the staining solution is supplied only when staining processing is performed, then the usage amount and waste amount of the staining solution are reduced, but the staining processing may be interrupted if the solution is not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic mode (continuous supply for reliability) and manual mode (on-demand supply to reduce waste). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to prioritize reliability when needed and reduce substance loss when possible, resolving the contradiction between these two factors.
Solution Approach 2:
In automatic mode, the staining solution is supplied in advance and continuously to the staining unit, ensuring that it is readily available when needed. This preliminary action prevents interruptions in staining processing, maintaining reliability while allowing for reduced waste in manual mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operation modes are freely selectable, then the user can optimize for different needs (reducing waste or ensuring continuity), but the device complexity increases due to mode selection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct operation modes (automatic and manual), each with specific functions. This segmentation allows the system to offer versatility through mode selection while keeping each mode's control logic relatively simple and well-defined, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to handle multiple operation modes within a single unified system. This multi-functionality allows the device to be versatile and adaptable to different needs without requiring separate control systems for each mode, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If the staining solution is supplied in large amounts to ensure sufficient staining processing, then the staining quality can be maintained, but the usage amount and waste amount of the staining solution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the supply parameter based on the operation mode. In automatic mode, a larger amount is supplied to maintain staining quality. In manual mode, the supply is optimized to provide only the necessary amount, reducing waste while maintaining quality. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
In automatic mode, the system uses excessive action by supplying more staining solution than the minimum required, ensuring staining quality is maintained. In manual mode, it uses partial action by supplying only the necessary amount, reducing waste. This flexible application of partial or excessive action resolves the contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A smear preparing apparatus that operates under selectable operation modes, may include: a smearing unit that prepares smeared slides by smearing samples onto slides; a staining unit that is capable of housing the smeared slides and that performs staining processing by accommodating a staining solution used to stain the samples on the housed smeared slides; a fluid circuit that supplies the staining solution to the staining unit; and a controller that controls the supplying of the staining solution to the staining unit depending on a selected one of the operation modes.