Biological Tissue Container With Electronic Tag For Fixation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current containers for biological tissue samples lack efficient tracking and storage of multiple identifiers, leading to issues with sample mismatching and non-compliance with regulatory guidelines for fixation times, especially when information systems between excision sites and laboratories are not integrated.
Innovation Solution
A container equipped with an electronic tag that stores and transmits data, including unique identifiers and fixation start times, eliminating the need for physical labels and enabling secure, interoperable data sharing across different systems without relying on network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If physical identification labels are used on containers, then visual identification of samples is possible, but the container surface area is limited and multiple identifiers cannot be stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical labels on container surfaces to three-dimensional electronic tags with embedded memory. The electronic tag stores multiple identifiers and fixation time data in its memory, eliminating the need to print all information on the container surface. This dimensional shift from surface-based to volume-based storage resolves the contradiction between limited surface area and need for comprehensive information storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of all sample identification and fixation information stored in the electronic tag's memory. This digital copy replaces the need for physical labels and allows unlimited information storage without increasing container surface area. The electronic copy can be read and transmitted without physical contact with the container.
2Loss of information
If multiple identifiers are stored on physical labels, then complete sample tracking is possible, but labels become complex and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores all identifiers and fixation time information as digital data in the electronic tag's memory rather than printing them on physical labels. This creates a clean, readable electronic copy that can be accessed without visual confusion. The electronic copy maintains complete tracking information while eliminating the clutter and readability issues of multi-label systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual label system with an electronic data storage and transmission system. Instead of relying on human vision to read multiple labels, the system uses electronic readers to access stored data. This substitution of mechanical identification with electronic data handling resolves the contradiction between complete identifier storage and label readability.
3Loss of information
If data is transmitted through network connections between excision sites and laboratories, then information sharing is possible, but cybersecurity risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the electronic tag as an intermediary that stores data locally at the excision site and transmits it only when needed. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for continuous network connections between excision sites and laboratories, reducing cybersecurity exposure. The tag acts as a secure buffer that isolates sensitive data from network vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts sensitive sample data from the network-dependent information system and stores it locally in the electronic tag's non-volatile memory. This extraction removes the data from the vulnerable network environment, allowing it to be stored securely without continuous network connectivity. The data is only transmitted when explicitly needed, minimizing network exposure and cybersecurity risks.
4Reliability
If fixation time is not recorded, then simple container design is maintained, but regulatory compliance cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the electronic tag with memory and transmitter capabilities into the container before the sample is placed in it. This preliminary preparation ensures that the container is already equipped to record and transmit fixation time data without requiring additional components or complex procedures during sample processing. The pre-installed electronic systems enable regulatory compliance while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a container (100, 300, 400) for collecting, transporting and storing a biological tissue sample of a human or animal, wherein the container (100, 300, 400) comprises a tag (10) with a receiver (12.1) for receiving data relating to the biological tissue sample, a non-volatile memory (11) for storing the data received by the receiver (12.1), and a transmitter (12.2) for transmitting the data stored by the memory (11).