Smear Preparing Apparatus Concentrated Buffer Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smear preparing apparatuses require frequent replacement and supply of large volumes of buffer solution, increasing user workload and consumption, especially in large facilities like medical examination centers.
Innovation Solution
A smear preparing apparatus and method that includes a buffer solution preparation unit to dilute highly-concentrated buffer solution, a diluted staining solution preparation unit to dilute staining solutions with the diluted buffer solution, and a stain unit to stain smear slides, reducing the frequency of buffer solution replacement and user workload by using a smaller amount of highly-concentrated buffer solution and storing diluted solutions for efficient reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large volume of buffer solution is used to dilute staining solutions, then the frequency of replacing buffer solution increases, but the user workload during replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the buffer solution from diluted to highly-concentrated form. By storing and using highly-concentrated buffer solution instead of diluted buffer solution, the volume required is significantly reduced, which in turn reduces the frequency of replacement and the user workload associated with handling large-volume tanks
2Loss of time
If a large volume of buffer solution is stored in the apparatus, then the frequency of replacing buffer solution decreases, but the apparatus size and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter change by switching from storing diluted buffer solution to storing highly-concentrated buffer solution. This concentration parameter change allows the same functional capacity to be achieved with a much smaller volume, thereby reducing tank size while maintaining acceptable replacement frequency
3Reliability
If diluted buffer solution is used for staining, then the staining quality is maintained, but the consumption of buffer solution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-concentrating the buffer solution and performing dilution only at the point of use or just before the staining process. This ensures that the buffer solution is diluted to the appropriate concentration for staining while minimizing the total volume consumed, as the highly-concentrated form can be stored efficiently and diluted as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the buffer solution from diluted to highly-concentrated for storage and transport, then temporarily adjusts it to the required diluted state for the actual staining process. This parameter transformation allows maintaining staining quality while reducing overall consumption and waste
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
Decreases the frequency of buffer solution replacement and reduces user workload by efficiently preparing and reusing diluted solutions, thereby minimizing the consumption of buffer solutions and maintaining consistent staining quality.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer solution preparation unit that prepares diluted buffer solution by diluting a highly-concentrated buffer solution
Implementation Method 2
a diluted staining solution preparation unit that prepares diluted staining solution by diluting a highly-concentrated staining solution with the diluted buffer solution
Data Source
AI summary
A smear preparing apparatus includes: a smear unit that prepares a smear slide by smearing a sample on a slide; a buffer solution preparation unit that prepares diluted buffer solution by diluting a highly-concentrated buffer solution; a diluted staining solution preparation unit that prepares diluted staining solution by diluting a highly-concentrated staining solution with the diluted buffer solution; and a stain unit that stains the smear slide prepared by the smear unit with the diluted staining solution.