Automated Tissue Demineralization Mixing Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current demineralization and decellularization processes for allograft tissue are time-consuming, inefficient, and lack reliability due to manual operation, leading to inconsistencies in the demineralization process.

Innovation Solution

An automated tissue processing system with a mixing assembly, agitator, and control and reporting system that automates the demineralization or decellularization process by inputting measured reagents, rotating the agitator in alternating directions, and draining reagents, all controlled via a graphical user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual demineralization procedures are used with multiple timed mixing cycles, then the process can be completed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and not reliably repeatable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepeatability of demineralization processVSAvoidtime required for demineralization process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the controller automatically manages the entire demineralization process including reagent dispensing, agitator rotation, and cycle timing without requiring continuous human intervention, thereby achieving reliable repeatability while reducing overall process time through optimized automated sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated controller that electronically manages the agitator motor, reagent pumps, and timing sequences, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with an integrated electronic control system that ensures consistent, repeatable results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple separate mixing cycles with different reagents are performed manually, then the demineralization can be thorough, but the process efficiency decreases and human error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of demineralization processVSAvoidcomplexity of mixing assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate mixing cycles and reagent dispensing operations into a single integrated mixing assembly where all reagents are delivered through one chamber and all mixing cycles are controlled by a single automated system, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mixing assembly is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple reagents (hydrochloric acid, water, phosphate buffered saline) and perform multiple mixing cycles within a single unified device, allowing the same apparatus to execute diverse demineralization protocols without requiring separate equipment for each step

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures time-efficient, repeatable, and quality-controlled demineralization or decellularization of allograft tissue, reducing human error and increasing productivity by allowing operators to multitask during the process.

Implementation Method 1

an agitator rotatively mounted within the interior mixing chamber... rotating the agitator within the interior mixing chamber in a first direction relative to the stationary cannister; rotating the agitator within the interior mixing chamber in a second direction relative to the stationary cannister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

at least one pump configured to inject a measured quantity of each of a first, a second, and a third reagent into the reagent inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 3

a motor operably coupled with the agitator, the motor configured to selectively revolve the agitator in a first direction and in a second direction relative to the cannister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion to mechanical rotation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250345486A1Automated system and methods for tissue demineralization

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 ALLOSOURCE

AI summary

Systems and methods for the automated demineralization of bone and decellularization of soft tissue include a mixing assembly communicatively coupled with a control and reporting system. The mixing assembly includes a housing that supports a cannister sub-assembly forming a mixing chamber having a reagent inlet, a reagent outlet, and an internal fluid agitator. A motor is operably coupled with the agitator and configured to spin the agitator in first and second directions relative to the cannister, thereby agitating fluid contained within the mixing chamber. At least one pump is configured to progressively inject measured quantities of a plurality of reagents into the mixing chamber. The associated control and reporting system includes a user terminal that displays a graphical user interface enabling a user to initiate an automated demineralization or decellularization procedure in which the mixing assembly demineralizes tissue placed within the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are also disclosed.