Tissue Holder Cap Latching for Secure Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy and imaging systems lack effective and efficient methods for storing tissue samples after imaging, particularly for transferring them to pathology labs for further analysis and storage while retaining each sample in its respective slot.
Innovation Solution
A tissue holder assembly with a rotatable tissue holder and a cap that securely attaches to the holder, featuring compartments for storing tissue samples and a fluid removal mechanism, along with a cap that seals and retains samples during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue samples are stored in open tissue holder after imaging, then samples are accessible for transport to pathology lab, but samples may migrate between compartments and integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cap with a flexible seal that conforms to the tissue holder contours, creating a tight barrier that prevents tissue sample migration while maintaining structural integrity during transport operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed to nest over the tissue holder, with the seal engaging the outer surface and latches securing to the holder body, creating a nested configuration that ensures samples remain confined during transport
2Productivity
If tissue holder is designed with multiple compartments for multiple samples, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue holder is segmented into multiple discrete compartments separated by dividers, allowing independent storage of multiple tissue samples while maintaining a relatively simple overall cylindrical structure that does not excessively increase device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cap design provides universal functionality by sealing the entire multi-compartment holder as a single unit, with latches that engage the holder body regardless of the number of compartments, thus managing complexity through standardized sealing and locking mechanisms
3Reliability
If cap is secured with multiple latches to prevent sample migration, then sample retention improves, but ease of operation for opening/closing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage and disengage through simple user actions, where the natural movement of closing the cap automatically triggers latch engagement, and pulling the cap triggers automatic disengagement, reducing the operational steps required
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is extracted as a separate functional element that can be independently actuated, allowing the cap to be opened or closed by simply pulling or pushing the cap body without requiring manual manipulation of each latch individually
Data Source
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AI summary
A tissue holder cap for covering a tissue holder includes a cover having a perimeter, the cover having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite from the outer surface. The cover includes a central portion having an opening configured for receiving a central post of the tissue holder, a first latch extending from the perimeter of the cover, and a second latch extending from the perimeter of the cover, circumferentially spaced apart from the first latch. The cover also includes a first protrusion configured to engage the post of the tissue holder. When the first protrusion engages with the post, each of the first latch and the second latch automatically aligns with one or more of a plurality of tabs on located on a circumferential sidewall of the tissue holder to thereby securely fasten the tissue holder cap onto the tissue holder.