Automated Biological Sample Processing System with Adaptive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated sample processing systems for biological samples are inadequate due to lack of sufficient computer control, information sharing, diagnostic capabilities, and real-time adaptability, leading to inefficient and labor-intensive staining processes with inadequate temperature control and risk of reagent contamination.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample processing system with adaptive control, integrated reagent mixing, and temperature regulation, featuring a robotic probe with pneumatic pressure control, optical sensors for image processing, and a climate control system to manage temperature and environment, enabling efficient and precise processing of biological samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated sample processing systems are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated processing system is divided into separate functional modules: a robotic arm for sample manipulation, a climate control unit for temperature regulation, a reagent management system, and a control computer. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the control system, enabling high productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed to perform multiple operations including picking up samples, transferring them between containers, and positioning them for processing. The climate control system can maintain different temperature zones simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed, improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If integrated reagent mixing is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent mixing function is integrated into the robotic arm system rather than being a separate device. The robotic arm controls dispensing needles that mix reagents directly in sample containers, combining sampling and reagent preparation functions. This integration improves precision by ensuring accurate reagent-to-sample ratios while avoiding the complexity of a standalone mixing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-mixing of reagents through programmable robotic control. The control computer automatically calculates and executes the precise mixing sequences based on stored protocols, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent precision across all processing runs without requiring complex manual mixing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If climate control system is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The climate control system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the processing environment and provide feedback to the control computer. The system automatically adjusts heating or cooling based on real-time temperature readings, ensuring reliable temperature maintenance within specified ranges. This closed-loop control improves reliability while keeping the system manageable through automated regulation rather than complex manual control mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If optical sensors for image processing are integrated, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system is integrated into the robotic arm assembly, allowing the same positioning mechanism to serve both manipulation and detection functions. The sensor can identify sample locations, read barcodes on containers, and verify processing completion, providing multiple measurement capabilities through a single integrated subsystem rather than requiring separate detection devices for each function.
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 automates sample processing, improves reagent mixing efficiency, maintains optimal temperature conditions, and reduces contamination risks, enhancing the quality and speed of biological sample staining while allowing for real-time adaptability and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic pressure control system in communication with the reagent container and adapted to apply pressure to the reagent container to dispense a predetermined amount of reagent
Implementation Method 2
a robotic probe in communication with the pneumatic pressure control system and adapted to move the reagent from the container to the sample
Implementation Method 3
optical sensors for image processing
Implementation Method 4
a climate control system to manage temperature and environment
Implementation Method 5
integrated reagent mixing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for automatic processing a biological sample on a carrier, perhaps robotically, by applying predetermined amounts of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, the processing including pre-treatment steps, under the control of an adaptive processing control system using a sample process parameter input that may be independent and an independent process parameter memory that does not interrupt process operation when being used, such that samples may be added or removed without interrupting the processing of other samples. Also included is an image capture function for sample and reagent identification and process monitoring, as well as temperature regulation and environmental control functions.