Automated Analyzer Sample Loading with Dual Gantry Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated chemical analyzers face issues with sample wastage due to 'dead volume' during transfer, sample carryover, handling of varying container shapes and sizes, and the need for redundant capabilities to ensure continuous operation and flexible sample processing.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer equipped with a dual gantry robot featuring a pick-and-place device and aspiration device, capable of handling multiple sample containers of different shapes and sizes, minimizing sample transfers, and allowing for connection to external instruments for enhanced processing options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sample is transferred from primary sample container to sample retention vessels, then sample can be stored for analysis, but dead volume is created and sample is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic transfer step by allowing the primary sample container itself to serve as the reaction vessel. The sample is analyzed in situ without being transferred to retention vessels, thereby eliminating dead volume losses while maintaining storage capability during the analysis process.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary sample container is given multiple functions: it serves as both the storage container and the reaction vessel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transfer steps and retention vessels, reducing sample waste while maintaining storage capability.
2Productivity
If multiple sample transfers are performed, then sample can be processed through different stages, but dead volume increases and available sample decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains continuous sample availability by eliminating interruptive transfer steps. The sample remains in the primary container throughout the analysis process, allowing continuous processing without the losses associated with multiple transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary sample container performs multiple functions including storage, mixing, and reaction, eliminating the need for multiple transfer operations between different vessels and reducing cumulative dead volume losses.
3Ease of operation
If pipettor is used to aspirate sample, then sample can be transferred, but dead volume remains in primary container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic aspiration and transfer operation entirely. The sample is processed directly in the primary container using a stir bar and reagent addition, eliminating the dead volume left by pipettor aspiration while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If sample transfer is performed to reduce carryover, then sample purity can be maintained, but additional transfers increase dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the primary container's existing geometry and characteristics to maintain sample purity without additional transfers. By processing the sample in situ with proper mixing and reagent addition, the system converts the potential harm of dead volume into a benefit by eliminating the need for transfer operations that would otherwise be required for carryover prevention.
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 configuration reduces sample wastage, minimizes carryover, handles diverse container types, and provides redundant capabilities for continuous operation and flexible processing, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The transport device comprises a pick-and-place device configured to grasp the first primary sample container and move it to the sample retention unit
Implementation Method 2
the aspiration device is configured to receive a second sample from a second primary sample container and deliver the second sample into one of the plurality of sample retention vessels
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated analyzer is configured to receive and analyze samples provided to the automated analyzer in primary sample containers. The automated analyzer comprises a sample retention unit, at least one transport device, and at least one aspiration device. The sample retention unit is configured to receive and retain a plurality of sample retention vessels. The sample retention unit may comprise a sample storage unit, an analytic unit, or other processing unit within the automated analyzer that retains a sample for some purpose. The transport device is configured to receive a first primary sample container containing a first sample and deliver the first primary sample container to the sample retention unit as one of the plurality of sample retention vessels. The aspiration device is configured to receive a second sample from a second primary sample container and deliver the second sample into one of the plurality of sample retention vessels.