Automated Tissue Cassette Transfer Between Processor and Embedder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated tissue processing and embedding systems are separate and unconnected, requiring manual transfer of processed tissue from the processor to the embedding system, which is time-consuming and leads to instrument downtime and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

An integrated tissue processing and embedding system that uses a robot to automate the transfer of processed tissue cassettes between the tissue processor and the embedding system, eliminating the need for manual handling and optimizing workflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual transfer of tissue cassettes is used between processor and embedding system, then personnel can handle the transfer, but time is lost and instrument downtime increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual handling capabilityVSAvoidtransfer time and instrument downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tissue processor and embedding system into an integrated automated system where the processor output is directly connected to the embedding system input. A robotic arm automatically transfers cassettes between the two devices, eliminating the need for manual intervention and continuous instrument downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system performs self-service by automatically transferring processed cassettes from the processor to the embedding system without requiring external manual handling. The robotic transfer mechanism operates autonomously, allowing the system to service itself and maintain continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate automated systems are used for processing and embedding, then each system can be optimized independently, but productivity is reduced due to manual transfer requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent system optimizationVSAvoidoverall throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate automated systems (tissue processor and embedding system) into a single integrated workflow. The systems retain their individual optimization capabilities while being connected through automated robotic transfer, eliminating the productivity bottleneck of manual intervention between devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10576637B2Integrated tissue processing and embedding systems, and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 SAKURA FINETEK USA INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for integrating tissue processors and embedding systems. An apparatus, of one aspect, includes a robot. The robot has a work envelope that encompasses a location having a tissue holder and an input of an embedding system. The tissue holder has at least one processed tissue. The robot is configured to transfer the tissue holder from the location to the input of the embedding system. A method, of one aspect, may include moving a robot to a location having a tissue holder. The tissue holder may have at least one processed tissue. The robot may engage with the tissue holder at the location. The robot may move the tissue holder from the location to an input to an embedding system. The robot may disengage from the tissue holder at the input to the embedding system. Other methods, apparatus, and systems are also disclosed.