Tissue Cassette Flag Marker for Void Support and Card Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tissue block storage systems, the removal of multiple blocks creates voids that can cause remaining blocks to lean or fall, disrupting further retrieval and storage, and traditional support methods like closed cell foam do not provide informational detail or secure the block index cards, which can be dislodged during drawer opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
The use of tissue block file position flag markers, made from brightly colored plastics, which are inserted into the voids to support the remaining blocks and feature a recessed slot for block index cards, ensuring they remain visible and secure, preventing blocks from falling and facilitating easy retrieval of removed blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support methods like closed cell foam are used, then blocks are supported from falling, but they do not provide informational detail or secure block index cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single flag marker device: physical support for blocks, informational display through printed details, and card securing through the slot mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate foam support and card holder components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag marker serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a physical support structure, an information display device, and a card securing mechanism. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both support stability and informational capability in one component.
2Loss of information
If block index cards are placed in storage drawers, then information about removed blocks is recorded, but they can be dislodged during drawer opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The flag marker acts as an intermediary between the storage drawer and the block index cards. The slot in the flag marker securely holds the cards in place, preventing them from being dislodged during drawer operation while still allowing information to be recorded and viewed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag marker with its integrated slot is placed in position before cards are inserted, providing a pre-established secure holding mechanism that prevents card dislodgement from the outset during drawer opening and closing operations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple tissue blocks are removed from storage, then retrieval is facilitated, but voids are created that cause remaining blocks to lean or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The flag marker serves as a mediator that fills the void created by removed blocks. It provides physical support to prevent remaining blocks from leaning or falling, while simultaneously marking the location where blocks were removed for easy retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag marker is inserted into the void immediately after blocks are removed, providing preliminary support and stabilization before any further storage or retrieval operations occur, preventing the storage arrangement from becoming unstable.
4Illumination intensity
If brightly colored plastic flag markers are used, then visibility and location marking are improved, but device complexity increases compared to simple foam support
Solution Approach 1:
The use of brightly colored plastic for the flag marker enhances visibility and location marking capability. The color differentiation allows for easy identification of flag markers among tissue blocks and facilitates quick location during retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the visibility function (bright coloring) with the support and card-holding functions in a single integrated device. While the device is more complex than simple foam, the merging of multiple functions into one component actually reduces overall system complexity compared to using multiple separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A flag, or marker for identifying the locations of a plurality of tissue cassettes containing mounted Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens once removed from a tissue cassette/block storage system. The invention comprises a rectangular cuboid body member having front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom surfaces which substantially approximates the shape of a predefined number of tissue cassette/blocks, with a recessed area with grooves to accept one tissue index marker card for recording the patient's case information, or other relevant information. When multiples of the present invention are used within a tissue cassette/block storage system, they point to locations where pluralities of tissue cassette/blocks should be returned, and provides a support structure for neighboring tissue cassette/blocks within the storage location from becoming askew or damaged within the tissue cassette/block storage system.