Automated Tissue Staining System with Segmented Fluid Dispensing Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated tissue sample treatment systems face inefficiencies due to reagent purging delays and wastage, as well as manual handling steps in dewaxing and dehydration processes, which hinder the automation of staining protocols.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a bulk fluid robot and a fluid transfer probe robot, configured to dispense reagents in a predetermined sequence, with pumping means and multiple nozzles to treat tissue samples on slides, allowing for independent processing of each slide according to specific protocols, including dewaxing, dehydration, and staining, while minimizing reagent wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single robot dispenses multiple reagents sequentially, then the system is simpler to operate, but reagent purging causes delays and wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the robot into multiple independent dispensing units (first fluid dispensing robot and second fluid dispensing robot), each capable of dispensing different reagents simultaneously without requiring purging between reagents, thereby eliminating delays and improving processing speed
2Device complexity
If a single robot dispenses multiple reagents sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but reagent wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dispensing function into multiple independent robots, each with its own reagent delivery system. This allows different reagents to be dispensed through separate pathways without cross-contamination or purging requirements, eliminating reagent wastage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Each fluid dispensing robot is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple reagents through dedicated pathways, allowing the system to dispense various reagents (staining reagents, dewaxing solutions, alcohol) without requiring purging operations, thus preventing reagent wastage
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used for dewaxing and dehydration, then flexibility in protocol adjustment is maintained, but automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates preliminary automated actions for dewaxing and dehydration steps, with dedicated dispensing units that can automatically apply dewaxing solutions and alcohol to slides before staining. The controller is configured to execute these preparatory steps automatically according to predetermined protocols, achieving full automation while maintaining protocol flexibility through programmable sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid dispensing robots are designed with universal capability to dispense multiple types of reagents including dewaxing solutions, alcohol for dehydration, and staining reagents. This multi-functionality allows the system to automate the complete workflow from dewaxing through dehydration to staining, eliminating manual handling while preserving protocol adaptability through programmable control
4Device complexity
If reagents are dispensed sequentially through a single nozzle, then device complexity is minimized, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing system is segmented into multiple independent robots with separate nozzles and reagent pathways. This allows simultaneous dispensing of multiple reagents onto different slides or different regions, eliminating the sequential timing delays inherent in single-nozzle systems while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated method and system for treating one or more tissue samples disposed on slides, the system comprising : a controller, a plurality of slide treatment modules arranged to receive ones of the slides; at least one fluid dispensing robot configured by the controller to dispense a plurality of reagents to said ones of the slides received in the slide treatment modules via an output nozzle disposed on the at least one fluid dispensing robot to treat said one or more tissue samples respectively; and at least one pumping means for pumping said reagents to the output nozzle of the at least one fluid dispensing robot from a plurality of reagent containers comprising said reagents, wherein the at least one fluid dispensing robot is configured by the controller to dispense said reagents in a predetermined sequence for each of the slide treatment modules to treat the one or more tissue samples disposed on each of the slides independently.