Automated Fluid Sample Handling System with Enclosed Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laboratory settings, manual sample collection and transfer pose risks of exposure to hazardous materials, contamination, and errors in sample identification and analysis due to manual handling and mislabeling, which can lead to inaccurate results and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a filling station with interlocks and line cleaning protocols, a fully enclosed portable sample module, and a sample transfer station with barcode or RFID identification to ensure safe and accurate collection, transfer, and analysis of fluid samples, avoiding manual handling and exposure to hazardous materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample collection and transfer are used, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and accuracy deteriorate due to exposure to hazardous materials and potential for human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated sampling device as an intermediary between the sample source and the analyst. This device includes a sample introduction system with automated liquid handling, transfer lines, and a sample container system that operates without direct human contact with hazardous samples, thereby maintaining operational ease while significantly improving safety and accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The sampling device incorporates automated pumps, valves, and transfer mechanisms that eliminate manual handling of samples, reducing exposure risks and minimizing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control
2Reliability
If automated sampling device is used, then safety and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the automated sampling device to perform multiple functions within a single integrated system. The device can handle different sample types, perform various transfer operations, and interface with different analysis instruments, thereby justifying the increased complexity through enhanced versatility and reliability across multiple applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the automated sampling device into distinct functional modules including a sample introduction system, transfer lines, a sample container system, and control systems. This segmentation allows for targeted complexity in each module while maintaining overall system reliability and safety, making the complex device more manageable and maintainable
3Device complexity
If manual handling is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to contamination and mislabeling
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling device acts as an intermediary that eliminates direct human contact with samples, thereby preventing contamination and mislabeling. The system uses automated identification and tracking mechanisms that ensure sample integrity throughout the analysis process, significantly improving measurement precision without requiring overly complex manual procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for safe collection and transportation of fluid samples for analysis are described to avoid exposure of hazardous materials to personnel during collection and transfer of samples to laboratory processing equipment. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample module including an enclosure configured to separate a sample from an external environment; a filling station defining a compartment into which the sample module can be received, the filling station configured to direct a fluid sample into the sample module and to rinse fluid connections between the filling station and the sample module prior to decoupling of the sample module from the filling station; and a sample transfer station configured to receive the sample module and to transfer sample from the sample module and direct the sample into a sample container.