Histological Tissue Processor Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated tissue processing systems face challenges in efficiently processing a variety of tissue samples with varying sizes and urgent requirements, leading to issues such as over or under processing, exposure to hazardous fumes, and limited throughput due to the need for manual handling and the limitations of microwave heating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing resources in a histological tissue processor that involves nominating reagents based on groups, types, and stations, determining availability, and scheduling protocols to optimize resource allocation and processing time, while also controlling thermal resources to accelerate tissue processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single retort is used with manual handling, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is limited due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides processing into multiple retorts (first and second retorts) that can operate simultaneously or in sequence. Each retort is a self-contained processing chamber that can handle different protocol steps, allowing parallel processing of multiple tissue samples and improving overall throughput without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retorts are designed to be multi-functional, capable of performing different processing steps (fixation, dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding) within the same chamber. The system can selectively connect various reagent containers to different retorts and perform multiple protocol steps in each retort, reducing the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function.
2Loss of time
If microwave heating is used to accelerate processing, then processing time is reduced, but reliability decreases due to preferential tissue heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces microwave heating with conventional thermal heating methods (heating blocks, water baths, or heated chambers) that provide more uniform and controllable heat distribution. This substitution eliminates the preferential heating of tissue samples that occurs with microwave radiation, ensuring reliable and consistent processing results while still reducing processing time through controlled thermal acceleration of chemical reactions and fluid exchange.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reagent containers are used, then adaptability for different protocols is improved, but loss of substance increases due to residual reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables recovery and reuse of reagents by allowing protocols to be designed where the final step in one protocol (e.g., high-concentration alcohol or clearing agent) can be followed by a compatible initial step in another protocol. The retort can be drained and refilled with the next reagent, recovering valuable chemicals that would otherwise be discarded and reducing overall reagent consumption across multiple processing runs.
4Manufacturing precision
If processing time is extended for complete infiltration, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous processing by eliminating idle time between protocol steps. Multiple retorts allow overlapping processing cycles where while one retort completes infiltration, another can begin the next processing stage. The selective reagent delivery system ensures continuous fluid exchange without interruption, and protocols can be designed to run back-to-back with minimal transition time, maintaining both quality and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation of reagents and protocol sequencing in advance, allowing optimal infiltration conditions to be established before samples are introduced. Protocols are pre-configured with precisely timed reagent exchanges and incubation periods that ensure complete infiltration occurs during the necessary dwell time, while the overall schedule is optimized to minimize total processing time through parallel operations.
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
This approach allows for efficient and safe processing of multiple tissue samples with reduced exposure to hazardous fumes, increased throughput, and minimized resource requirements, enabling flexible scheduling and urgent processing without compromising tissue quality.
Implementation Method 1
heating the retort to a desired temperature with a heating device
Implementation Method 2
introducing gas into the retort with a pump to agitate the tissue sample
Implementation Method 3
at least one of a first retort and a second retort selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent containers by a valve mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A method of managing resources of a histological tissue processor, the tissue processor comprising at least one retort (12, 14) selectively connected for fluid communication to at least one of a plurality of reagent resources (26) by a valve mechanism (40), the method comprising the step of: nominating resources according to one of: group, where a group nomination corresponds to a resource's function; type, where a type nomination corresponds to one or more attributes of a resource within a group; station, where a station nomination corresponds to a point of supply of a resource.