Integrated consumable data management system and platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated assay systems face challenges in achieving reproducible results due to human or machine errors during assay preparation, consumable loading, and evaporation of liquids, leading to variations in sample concentration and timing discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates precision training plates, heat exchangers, standardized consumable storage units, and a user interface to minimize errors, along with a software architecture that ensures reproducibility and automates assay steps, using a data deployable bundle (DDB) to manage consumable data and a robotic system for precise handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual consumable loading and assay preparation are performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but human errors occur leading to poor reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated consumable loading where the robotic system autonomously identifies, retrieves, and loads consumables based on assay protocols without requiring manual intervention. The consumables themselves carry identification markers that enable the system to automatically recognize and configure the correct consumables for each assay type.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of consumable handling are replaced with an automated robotic system that uses mechanical arms, grippers, and precision positioning mechanisms to load consumables. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical processes with computer-controlled mechanical automation to eliminate variability and error.
2Manufacturing precision
If standardized consumable storage units are used, then loading errors are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple standardized storage units, each designed to hold specific types of consumables. Each unit is independently configurable and can be selectively loaded onto the robotic system, allowing modular organization that simplifies individual unit design while providing comprehensive storage capability through combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized storage units are designed with universal interfaces and configurations that can accommodate different types of consumables through adaptive positioning. The same basic storage unit design can be used across different assay types and consumable formats, reducing the need for multiple specialized storage solutions.
3Reliability
If automated assay steps with tight timing tolerances are implemented, then run-to-run reproducibility is ensured, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system maintains continuous operation through seamless sequencing of assay steps without interruption or manual intervention. The robotic system continuously performs consumable loading, plate handling, and assay execution in an unbroken sequence, eliminating timing variations that would occur with manual transitions between steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual timing and execution of each assay step, comparing it against predetermined tolerances. The system uses this feedback to adjust subsequent operations and compensate for any deviations, ensuring that timing requirements are consistently met across runs.
4Measurement precision
If consumable data is tracked through data deployable bundles, then data management accuracy is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Consumable data is pre-configured and associated with consumables before they are loaded into the system. The data deployable bundles contain all necessary assay parameters, consumable identifiers, and protocol information that are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing processing complexity during actual assay execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of consumable data stored in data deployable bundles that can be rapidly replicated and distributed. Instead of processing complex raw data, the system works with standardized digital representations of consumable information that can be efficiently stored, retrieved, and processed.
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 achieves reproducible assay runs with minimized errors, maintaining consistent sample concentrations and timing, and reduces human intervention through automated protocols and data management.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers are provided to maintain a selected operating temperature in the assay system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.