Automated Assay Analyzer for Continuous Incubation and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular testing systems face throughput constraints due to batch processing and sequential workflows, particularly in LAMP-based DNA/RNA amplification, limiting real-time or near-real-time analysis of large sample volumes, and existing LAMP systems lack flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A high-throughput analyser system with integrated robotic handling, incubation, and imaging capabilities allows for continuous sample processing, simultaneous incubation and imaging, and predictive resource management to optimize workflow efficiency, enabling thousands of assays per hour with flexible sample addition and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and visual inspection are used for small parts, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity is low and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus segments the screening process into distinct functional modules: vibration excitation unit, separation unit with inclined screen, collection trays, and airflow generation unit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to handle multiple small parts simultaneously through parallel processing, thereby increasing productivity without requiring overly complex integrated mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary airflow field generated by the airflow generation unit to assist in separating and directing small parts. This airflow mediator works in conjunction with vibration to enhance the separation efficiency of fine particles, enabling higher throughput while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple
2Measurement precision
If conventional screening methods are used for small parts, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and separation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamic vibration excitation through the vibration excitation unit, which generates oscillatory motion of the inclined screen. This dynamic motion enhances the separation accuracy of small parts by preventing clogging and promoting uniform distribution of particles across the screen surface, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex static mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration excitation operates periodically, creating rhythmic oscillations that facilitate consistent and accurate separation of small parts. This periodic action ensures that fine particles are continuously redistributed and separated by size, improving measurement precision while maintaining a relatively simple periodic driving mechanism rather than complex continuous control systems
3Productivity
If high-speed automated handling is implemented, then productivity increases, but loss of substance increases due to handling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables small parts to self-separate based on their inherent physical properties (size, density, shape) through vibration and airflow. The parts automatically sort themselves into different collection trays without requiring manual handling or complex automated picking/placing mechanisms, thereby maintaining high productivity while minimizing part damage and contamination that would occur with mechanical handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical handling systems with a field-based separation approach using vibration and airflow. Instead of mechanically picking, moving, and placing small parts (which causes damage), the system uses vibrational and aerodynamic fields to guide parts to their destination, achieving high throughput while eliminating handling-induced loss of substance
4Measurement precision
If extensive manual inspection is performed, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary separation and organization of small parts through vibration and airflow before final inspection or collection. By pre-sorting parts into size-based groups and positioning them in appropriate collection trays, the system reduces the need for time-consuming manual inspection while maintaining measurement precision, as the separation process itself provides size-based classification
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
The system significantly enhances throughput by up to two orders of magnitude, facilitating real-time or near-real-time analysis of molecular samples with continuous operation, reducing bottlenecks, and improving scalability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration excitation unit configured to generate vibrations
Implementation Method 2
an airflow generation unit configured to generate an airflow
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides an automated analyser for high-throughput assay testing for the presence of a biological or biochemical substance. The analyser comprises a plurality of sample process stations adapted to receive analysis vessels and perform one or more processing or analysis steps on samples retained in the analysis vessels. The process stations comprising at least an incubation station adapted to receive a plurality of the analysis vessels, provide illumination to each sample of each analysis vessel in the incubation field, and maintain the plurality of analysis vessels at predetermined incubation temperatures. The analyser further comprises a analysis vessel transfer system adapted to transfer analysis vessels between each of the process stations, an imaging system adapted to image illuminated samples in the analysis vessels retained in the incubation field, and a resource controller The resource controller is adapted to: control the analysis vessel transfer system, control the imaging system, receive optical image information from the imaging system, and instruct an image processor to process the image information.