Automated Rotary Vial Uncapping and Filter Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual filtration processes in laboratory settings pose health and safety risks, such as repetitive motion injuries, cross contamination, and exposure to hazardous substances, while automated systems face issues with particulate clogging and filter handling inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An automated filtration system with an integrated probe and filter removal mechanism, featuring a rotary uncapper and grippers, automates cap removal and filtration, using a filter retainer to manage filter exchange and a control system to regulate sample flow, minimizing human intervention and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual filtration processes are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but health and safety risks increase due to repetitive motion injuries, cross contamination, and exposure to hazardous substances
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operation where the robotic arm autonomously performs sample container handling, cap removal, probe insertion, and filter exchange without human intervention. The control system coordinates all operations automatically, eliminating the need for manual repetitive tasks while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with programmable motion control substitutes human hands for handling samples, while automated mechanisms replace manual cap removal and probe insertion. This mechanical substitution eliminates direct human exposure to hazardous substances while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated filtration systems are used, then health and safety risks are reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components like robotic arms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions: transporting sample containers, removing caps, inserting probes, and exchanging filters. The filter assembly integrates multiple components (filter element, retainer, seal) into a single replaceable unit that performs filtration, sealing, and easy replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the filter element, retainer, and seal into an integrated filter assembly that can be replaced as a single unit. The uncapping mechanism and probe insertion are combined in the automated sequence performed by the robotic arm. This merging of functions and components simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining automated operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated cap removal and probe insertion are implemented, then cross contamination is minimized, but ease of operation decreases due to automated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with programmable control replaces manual operations for cap removal and probe insertion. This mechanical substitution ensures consistent, contamination-free handling through automated motion control, eliminating human contact with sample containers and probes. The system maintains operational simplicity by automating the complex coordination of multiple actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs cap removal, probe insertion, and sample filtration in a continuous automated sequence without breaking the sterile barrier or requiring manual intervention between steps. This continuous automated operation minimizes contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation through single-button or automated program execution.
4Productivity
If filter retention and automated exchange mechanisms are used, then filtration efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. After use, the entire filter assembly (element, retainer, seal) is removed and replaced with a fresh one, eliminating the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, or maintenance mechanisms. This approach improves filtration efficiency and productivity while keeping the mechanical system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be independently replaced. The filter element, retainer, and seal are taken out as a complete assembly rather than requiring separate replacement of each component. This extraction strategy simplifies the replacement process and reduces the complexity of retention mechanisms while maintaining high filtration efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated systems are described that remove a cap from a capped sample container, introduce a probe to the uncapped sample container, direct the sample through the filter to provide a filtrate, and transfer the filtrate to another uncapped sample container, a sample fluid line in fluid communication with a sample analysis system, or combinations thereof.