Tissue Processor Sensor for Reagent Purity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tissue processing methods face challenges in maintaining the purity of reagents like xylene and alcohol, which contaminate the carrier material and affect the quality of thin tissue sections, requiring multiple steps with increasing purity levels and frequent reagent replacement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a sensor system that monitors the purity level of reagents like xylene or alcohol, automatically controlling the valve to replace them when necessary, ensuring the use of reagents with the appropriate purity level for each process step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple reagents with different purity levels are used for step-wise infiltration, then the quality of thin tissue sections is improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase due to frequent reagent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the purity level of the reagent in the retort and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit automatically decides when to replace the reagent and switches to a reagent with higher purity level, eliminating manual monitoring and decision-making while maintaining optimal tissue section quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic reagent replacement without operator intervention. The control unit monitors reagent purity via the sensor and autonomously activates the appropriate valve to switch between reagents, making the system self-regulating and reducing operational complexity
2Reliability
If manual monitoring of reagent purity is performed, then the purity level can be tracked, but the productivity decreases due to frequent manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of monitoring and replacing reagents is replaced by an automated control system with a sensor. The sensor electronically detects reagent purity and the control unit automatically manages reagent switching, maintaining reliable purity tracking while eliminating manual intervention and maximizing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the reagent and the control system. It continuously monitors reagent purity and transmits this information to the control unit, which then manages reagent replacement automatically, ensuring reliable purity monitoring without impacting processing throughput
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 ensures high-quality tissue samples by maintaining optimal reagent purity levels, reducing contamination and the need for frequent reagent changes, thereby improving the efficiency and consistency of the tissue processing process.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first sensor that is arranged in flow direction between the container and the retort for measuring a measured value of a parameter that represents a purity level of the alcohol or xylene
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for processing tissue samples are described. The apparatus comprises: at least one retort for accommodating tissue samples; at least one container for storing alcohol or xylene; a valve adapted to connect the at least one retort with the at least one container depending on an operating position of the valve; and at least a first sensor that is arranged in flow direction between the container and the retort for measuring a value of a parameter that represents a purity level of the alcohol or xylene; wherein the first sensor and the valve are configured to replace the alcohol or xylene depending on the value of the parameter that represents the purity level. The method comprises for the alcohol or xylene conducting between the container and the retort; automatically measuring the purity level and replacing depending on the purity level.