Automated Staining System Reagent Dispensing and Traceability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated staining systems for biological specimens face inefficiencies due to manual reagent pouring and selection, leading to errors, spills, and decreased test accuracy, as well as operational downtime for cleanup.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample processing system with integrated reagent dispensing cartridges and bulk reagent dispensing assemblies, utilizing capillary action and controlled fluid dispensing mechanisms to accurately apply reagents, and including sensors for bulk reagent level monitoring and waste management, to streamline the staining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual reagent pouring and selection is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but pouring accuracy decreases and reagent application errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pouring operations with an automated reagent dispensing system that uses electronic control and precision pumps to deliver reagents. This substitution eliminates human error in pouring accuracy while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable protocols and digital selection of reagents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the automated stainer independently selects and dispenses the correct reagents based on pre-programmed staining protocols. The system self-monitors reagent levels and automatically replenishes reagents without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating pouring errors while maintaining operational autonomy.
2Device complexity
If manual reagent pouring is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to time-consuming pouring and cleanup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reagent delivery system into modular components including separate reagent reservoirs, automated dispensing mechanisms, and integrated waste management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function efficiently without requiring manual intervention for pouring or cleanup, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple functions into an integrated automated stainer including reagent storage, automated dispensing, staining protocol execution, and waste collection. By combining these functions into a single automated system, the patent eliminates the need for separate manual pouring and cleanup operations, significantly improving operational efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If automated reagent dispensing is implemented, then pouring accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated reagent dispensing system is designed with universal components that perform multiple functions. The same dispensing mechanism handles different reagent types, the system uses standardized reagent containers, and the control software manages various staining protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high dispensing accuracy.
4Ease of operation
If manual reagent selection is used, then operator control is maintained, but test accuracy decreases due to reagent application errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor reagent levels, the control system verifies correct reagent selection based on the staining protocol, and the system confirms successful reagent application. This feedback loop ensures that the correct reagents are automatically selected and applied with high precision, eliminating human error while maintaining operator control through programmable protocols and system monitoring.
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 system enhances processing efficiency by reducing errors and spills, improving accuracy, and minimizing downtime through automated reagent application and monitoring, ensuring consistent and reliable staining protocols.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capillary action and controlled fluid dispensing mechanisms to accurately apply reagents
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A method includes automatically displaying information obtained from a first identifier associated with a slide and a second identifier associated with a reagent cartridge. The method further includes generating a staining log based on the information obtained from the first identifier and the second identifier. A further method includes displaying a location of a slide within a sample processing system and information obtained from a first identifier associated with the slide in a first table and displaying a location of a reagent cartridge within a sample processing system and information obtained from a second identifier associated with the reagent cartridge in a second table. The first table is then aligned with the second table.