Tissue Processing Reagent Verification via Electrical Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue processing apparatuses face issues with users accidentally connecting the wrong type or state of reagent, leading to potential damage to biological tissue, as the verification process is time-consuming and prone to human error, with irreversible damage possible after a 14-hour processing time.

Innovation Solution

A tissue processing apparatus equipped with a measurement probe that takes electrical measurements of reagents in receptacles to determine their state and type before extraction, providing real-time feedback to users and preventing incorrect reagent use through an indication system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification of reagent type and state is performed, then tissue damage from incorrect reagents can be prevented, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of tissue damageVSAvoidtime for verification process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic self-verification of reagent type and state using measurement probes that take electrical measurements. The apparatus independently determines whether reagents are correct without requiring manual verification by technicians, thus preventing tissue damage while eliminating time-consuming manual checks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection and physical verification with automated electrical measurement systems. Measurement probes take electrical measurements of reagents and the system automatically determines reagent correctness, substituting mechanical/manual verification with electronic detection and automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual verification of reagent type and state is performed, then tissue damage from incorrect reagents can be prevented, but operational ease deteriorates due to human error and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of tissue damageVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs verification without requiring technician intervention. The measurement probes and control system independently determine reagent correctness, eliminating the burden of manual verification and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback to users about reagent correctness based on electrical measurements. The apparatus communicates whether reagents are appropriate for the current processing step, eliminating uncertainty and reducing operational errors while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If automated measurement probes are implemented, then reagent verification accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent identification accuracyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement probe function is extracted as a separate, modular component that can be independently implemented. The probe takes electrical measurements and communicates results to the control system, allowing high measurement precision to be achieved through a dedicated subsystem rather than integrating complexity throughout the entire apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement probes serve multiple functions: they take electrical measurements of reagents, determine reagent type and state, and provide feedback to the control system. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating verification capabilities into versatile components

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

Ensures accurate reagent identification and prevents tissue damage by verifying the state and type of reagents before processing, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring consistent, high-quality tissue preparation.

Implementation Method 1

obtain at least one electrical measurement of reagent contained in the reagent receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11307212B2Tissue processing apparatus for processing biological tissue

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SHANDON DIAGNOSTICS LTD

AI summary

A tissue processing apparatus for processing biological tissue. The tissue processing apparatus comprises a measurement probe that includes two measurement surfaces spaced apart from each other, wherein the measurement probe is configured to be inserted into a reagent receptacle so that the two measurement surfaces are at least partially immersed in reagent contained in the reagent receptacle. The tissue processing apparatus is configured to use the two measurement surfaces of the measurement probe to obtain at least one electrical measurement of reagent contained in the reagent receptacle before reagent is taken out from the reagent receptacle by the tissue processing apparatus. The tissue processing apparatus is configured to determine, based on the at least one electrical measurement, a concentration and/or a type of reagent contained in the reagent receptacle.