Tissue Cassette Biasing Element Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue sample processing methods require manual handling at the grossing and embedding steps, leading to increased risks of misidentification, cross-contamination, and prolonged processing times due to human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A tissue cassette design that allows for automated orientation and retention of the sample throughout processing, utilizing a base and retaining member with biasing elements to maintain the sample's orientation and secure it within the cassette, reducing manual handling and enhancing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used at grossing and embedding steps, then flexibility in sample orientation is achieved, but the risk of misidentification, cross-contamination, and prolonged processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette system enables self-service automation where the cassette automatically maintains sample orientation through its mechanical design (base, retaining member, and biasing element) without requiring manual intervention at each processing step, thereby reducing human error while preserving orientation control
Solution Approach 2:
The sample is oriented and secured in the cassette before processing begins. The biasing element pre-positions the retaining member to hold the sample in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for repeated manual re-orientation during subsequent processing steps
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is used at grossing and embedding steps, then sample orientation can be adjusted, but processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette system performs self-service by automatically maintaining sample orientation through its mechanical design (base, retaining member, and biasing element) without requiring manual intervention at each processing step, thereby reducing human error while preserving orientation control
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette enables continuous processing by maintaining sample orientation automatically throughout all processing steps. The biasing element continuously exerts force to keep the retaining member in position, eliminating interruptions for manual re-orientation and enabling uninterrupted workflow
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple cassette design is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sample orientation retention capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is segmented into distinct functional components: base, retaining member, and biasing element. Each component has a specific function and can be manufactured independently using standard manufacturing processes, simplifying production while achieving precise sample orientation retention through the coordinated action of these segments
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary between the retaining member and the base. It provides the necessary mechanical force to maintain sample orientation without requiring complex direct connections, thereby simplifying the overall design while achieving precise orientation retention
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 cassette minimizes human error and processing time by maintaining the sample's orientation from grossing to embedding, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of tissue sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element attached to the retaining member and urges the retaining member toward the base
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.