Automated Tissue Grossing With Robotic Decapping and Vacuum Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue grossing methods in diagnostic testing are inefficient, reliant on human labor, prone to errors, and lack standardization, leading to specimen misidentification, contamination, and delayed diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An automated tissue grossing system integrating robotic handling, imaging technology, and vacuum-assisted transfer to minimize human intervention, ensure accurate specimen positioning, and enhance traceability, while adapting to various laboratory environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tissue grossing is performed by trained technicians, then specimen handling and sectioning can be done with human judgment, but the process is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with specialized end effectors performs specimen retrieval, jar decapping, tissue transfer, and cassette handling automatically, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operations while maintaining precision through programmable control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic system performs all grossing operations independently. The automated platform executes the complete workflow from specimen retrieval to cassette preparation without requiring continuous human intervention, allowing the process to serve itself through automated decision-making and execution
2Productivity
If automated robotic systems are implemented, then processing speed and consistency improve, but system complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated grossing system is divided into distinct functional modules: a robotic arm with interchangeable end effectors for different tasks, a jar decapping module, a vacuum module for tissue transfer, and a cassette preparation station. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled or replaced, reducing overall system complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with universal end effectors that can perform multiple functions: retrieving specimens from jars, decapping jars, transferring tissue to cassettes, and handling cassettes themselves. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high productivity
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 reduces human error, improves efficiency, ensures specimen integrity, and enhances diagnostic reliability by automating the grossing process, enabling continuous operation and seamless integration with laboratory information systems.
Implementation Method 1
provide negative pressure through the slot to facilitate tissue transfer from the specimen jar to the cassette
Data Source
AI summary
This document provides devices and methods for an automated tissue grossing system. For example, an automatic tissue grossing system can include an intake system configured to receive a specimen jar containing a tissue sample; a robotic arm comprising a gripper configured to grip the specimen jar; a decapping module comprising a stationary gripper configured to grip the specimen jar and a rotary gripper configured to rotate on a vertical axis and grip a lid of the specimen jar; and a vacuum module comprising an integrated grossing platform, wherein the grossing platform includes a slot sized to receive a cassette from the robotic arm and provide negative pressure through the slot to facilitate tissue transfer from the specimen jar to the cassette.