Automated Assay Processing With Rotating Tubes and Magnetic Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conducting assay procedures manually is labor-intensive and error-prone, necessitating the need for automated systems that can efficiently perform assay processing with high accuracy and low labor costs.

Innovation Solution

An automated assay processing system utilizing a reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, magnet, and controller to perform coordinated movements for automated assay processing, including reagent transfer, mixing, and magnetic separation through controlled rotations and vertical movements of the magnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual assay procedures are used, then flexibility and ease of operation are maintained, but labor intensity increases and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay accuracyVSAvoidmanual operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system that uses coordinated movements of a reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, and magnet assembly. The controller automates the entire assay processing sequence, eliminating manual pipetting, mixing, and separation operations while maintaining high accuracy and reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated coordination of its components. The controller manages the simultaneous movements of the reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, and magnet assembly without human intervention. The system automatically executes reagent transfer, mixing, and magnetic separation operations as part of the assay processing sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated assay processing is implemented, then productivity and accuracy improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay processing throughputVSAvoidautomation system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated automation system. The reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, and magnet assembly are coordinated through a single controller to perform multiple operations (reagent transfer, mixing, magnetic separation) simultaneously. This consolidation achieves high productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automation system is designed with multi-functionality, where the coordinated movements of the reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, and magnet assembly can perform various assay operations including reagent transfer, mixing, and separation. This universal design allows the system to handle different assay types and processing requirements through programmed sequences, improving productivity across multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If coordinated movements of multiple components are used, then automation efficiency increases, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay processing efficiencyVSAvoidcoordination control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller in the patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to coordinate the movements of the reagent tube holder, assay processing tube, and magnet assembly. The system monitors the positions and movements of these components, adjusting the coordination in real-time to ensure precise execution of the assay processing sequence. This feedback control manages the complexity of multi-component coordination while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 automated assay processing with high accuracy and efficiency, reducing labor costs and minimizing errors through coordinated movements of reagent tube holders, assay processing tubes, and magnets, facilitating processes like reagent mixing, incubation, and electrochemical reactions.

Implementation Method 1

The magnet is driven to move vertically... perform an assay processing sequence... magnetic separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic separation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The reagent tube holder is driven to rotate... The assay processing tube is driven to rotate... reagent transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS12449434B2Automated assay processing methods and systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 ACCURE HEALTH INC

AI summary

Embodiments of automated assay processing systems and methods are disclosed. In an example, an assay automation system includes an assay processing tube, a magnet, and a controller. The assay processing tube has a right arm and a left arm, the right arm having an opening for receiving reagent transferred from a reagent tube being held in one of the tube-holding arms of the reagent tube holder, the assay processing tube being driven to rotate. The magnet is driven to move vertically. The controller is configured to control coordinated movements of the assay processing tube and the magnet to perform an assay processing sequence.