Automated Egg Sampling System for Scalable Biological Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for performing assays on fertilized and embryonated eggs are labor-intensive, manual, and not scalable, making it difficult to produce identical samples for statistical analysis due to human intervention and lack of automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample collection system comprising an incubator, applicator, sampler, and controller unit that configures and operates to deliver exogenous materials to and collect samples from fertilized eggs, including pricking the chorioallantoic membrane, delivering materials, and harvesting samples, with features like shell removal, imaging, and feedback mechanisms for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual procedures are used for handling eggs and sampling, then human intervention allows flexibility in operation, but labor intensity increases and repeatability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs egg handling, sampling, and analysis without human intervention. The robotically controlled manipulators automatically pierce eggs, insert sampling needles, collect samples, and transfer them to analysis instruments, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with robotically controlled mechanical systems. The patent employs automated manipulators with precision positioning systems, motorized piercing mechanisms, and computer-controlled sampling needles to substitute human hands and tools, thereby increasing throughput and ensuring repeatable operations through consistent mechanical execution.
2Productivity
If automated systems are implemented for egg handling and sampling, then productivity and repeatability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system integrates multiple functions into a single unified platform. The robotic manipulators can perform various operations including egg piercing, sample collection, needle insertion, and sample transfer. The system accommodates different egg types and sampling protocols through programmable control, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediate components to simplify the automated system architecture. A controller unit serves as an intermediary between the robotic manipulators and the sampling instruments, coordinating operations and managing complexity. The system uses standardized interfaces and modular components that act as intermediaries, allowing complex functions to be broken down into manageable modules that can be controlled and maintained more easily.
3Ease of operation
If human intervention is used in sampling and analysis, then operational flexibility is maintained, but reliability and statistical consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system incorporates feedback mechanisms to ensure reliable and repeatable operations. Sensors detect egg positions, sampling depths, and sample collection status, providing real-time feedback to the control system. The programmable controller adjusts operations based on this feedback, ensuring consistent execution of sampling protocols and maintaining reliability across multiple assays while preserving operational flexibility through adjustable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Human manual operations in sampling and analysis are replaced with automated robotic systems and computer-controlled instruments. The patent employs robotically manipulators with precision positioning, automated needle insertion mechanisms, and computerized sample analysis equipment to eliminate human variability. This substitution ensures that each sampling operation is executed with identical precision and that analysis conditions are consistently maintained, thereby improving reliability and statistical consistency.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated biological sample collection system and methods are disclosed. The system comprises an incubator, an applicator and a sampler. The incubator is configured to control the environment of a plurality of eggs, the applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the plurality of eggs, at least one sampler is configured to collect samples from the plurality of eggs, invasively or non-invasively and a system controller is operable to drive the various components of the system automatically according to assay specifications and configuration.