Stackable Histology Container With Elastic Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing embedding procedures for histological samples are labor-intensive, lack ergonomics, pose chemical hazards, and are prone to errors due to inefficient sample orientation and processing, particularly in automated systems where the use of cassette mold assemblies leads to liquid exchange issues and reduced processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container system with an elastic and deformable housing frame and permeable cover, featuring a lock assembly and high side walls to ensure efficient fluid flow and sample orientation, allowing for uniform processing and easy separation of paraffin blocks, reducing the likelihood of sample confusion and improving processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hard bottom cassette is used to cover the mold, then the sample is secured, but the sample is compressed and processing conditions are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hard bottom cassette with a flexible membrane bottom in the mold. This flexible membrane can deform to match the sample's shape, providing secure fixation without compression. The membrane allows treatment fluids to penetrate and flow uniformly through the sample, improving processing conditions while maintaining sample stability during embedding.
2Extent of automation
If cassette mold assemblies are used for auto-embedding, then automation is enabled, but liquid exchange is hampered and processing capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the processing system into multiple independent mold units that can be stacked vertically. Each mold contains a single sample and can be processed independently. The stackable design allows multiple samples to be processed simultaneously in a compact arrangement, increasing processing capacity while maintaining automated embedding capability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of cassette mold assemblies to vertical stacking of individual mold units. This dimensional change from 2D to 3D space utilization increases the processing capacity by allowing more samples to be processed in the same footprint while maintaining efficient fluid flow and automated processing.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sample is pressed to the bottom of the mold for auto-embedding, then orientation is secured, but liquid exchange is necessitated to be accelerated
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane bottom deforms under minimal pressure to match the sample's contour, securing orientation without creating compression zones that would impede liquid exchange. The membrane's flexibility allows treatment fluids to flow freely around and through the sample, eliminating the need for accelerated processing methods while maintaining precise orientation.
4Productivity
If containers are stacked to increase capacity, then processing efficiency improves, but separation of paraffin blocks becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs individual mold units with standardized separation interfaces that allow clean division between stacked containers. The rigid frame structure with defined edges and the flexible membrane bottom create clear separation planes that facilitate easy removal of paraffin blocks from each mold unit after processing, preventing block entanglement while maintaining stacked configuration during processing.
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 container system enhances processing efficiency and reduces labor and error rates by enabling efficient fluid flow and sample orientation, facilitating high-capacity processing while minimizing sample confusion and paraffin block separation issues.
Implementation Method 1
the housing frame is made of a material that is elastic and deformable under compression
Implementation Method 2
deformable under compression
Implementation Method 3
a removable cover with a frame covered by a permeable material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to devices for preparing histological and biological samples for microscopic examination. The present container is designed to be stackable in such a way as to permit treatment fluids to enter a stack, and comprises a housing having a frame that connects to a base with a depression for receiving a sample, and also a removable cover in the form of a histology cassette having a frame covered with a permeable elastic material. The frame of the container housing is made of a resilient material that is deformable under compression. Two opposing sides of the frame of the housing form lateral walls that extend upwards and downwards from the join line with the base, wherein the height of said walls exceeds the total value of the depth of the sample-receiving depression, the thickness of the bottom of the sample-receiving depression and the thickness of the container cover by not less than 0.1 mm. Configured on the upper and lower edges of the lateral walls of the base is a lock assembly, elements of which enter into engagement with elements of the lock assembly of the next lower container when stacked. The object of the container is to allow efficient processing and infiltration of histological and biological samples and subsequent embedding to form blocks for microtoming.