Automated Sample Extraction Carousel Reducing Human Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laboratory chemical extraction methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error, and often require separate devices for different processing steps, posing health risks and environmental hazards due to the use of toxic solvents.
Innovation Solution
A sample extraction device that automates the extraction, mixing, heating, cooling, shaking, and dispensing of chemical samples using a rotating carousel with multiple sample holders and a controller for automated operation, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional liquid-liquid extraction methods are used, then chemical samples can be extracted, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction operations with an automated robotic system that uses programmed mechanical movements to perform liquid-liquid extraction. The robotic arm automatically transfers liquids between containers, mixes samples, and separates phases, eliminating the need for manual repetitive operations and significantly reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction system is designed to operate autonomously once programmed, with the robotic system self-managing the extraction process including automatic pipetting, mixing, phase separation, and sample collection. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous human intervention and accelerates the overall extraction throughput.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different processing steps, then each function can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple extraction and processing functions into a single unified robotic system. The system combines pipetting, mixing, heating, cooling, and phase separation capabilities within one automated platform, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate laboratory devices. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining full functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic extraction system is designed with universal capabilities to perform various extraction techniques (liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, etc.) and processing operations (mixing, heating, cooling) using a single platform. This multi-functionality is achieved through programmable robotic arms and interchangeable modules, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If manual extraction operations are performed, then samples can be processed, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual human operations with automated robotic control to eliminate human error in extraction procedures. The robotic system executes precisely programmed movements for liquid transfer, mixing speeds, and separation parameters, ensuring consistent and reproducible results without the variability inherent in manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated extraction system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide real-time feedback on extraction progress, temperature, and mixing conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust parameters and detect anomalies, ensuring high reliability and minimizing errors through continuous monitoring and correction.
4Ease of manufacture
If toxic organic solvents are used for extraction, then samples can be cleaned up, but health and environmental risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies automated precise dispensing and controlled mixing techniques that optimize solvent usage, minimizing the volume of toxic organic solvents required for effective extraction. The system also incorporates automated waste collection and containment features that convert the harmful waste stream into a manageable form for safe disposal, reducing both health risks and environmental impact.
Data Source
AI summary
The automated sample extraction device is a device for the automatic extraction of chemical samples. The device includes a housing defining an open interior region. A rotating carousel is disposed within the housing, and a plurality of sample holders are mounted thereon. A plurality of sample storage tanks each contain a unique chemical sample, and a desired volume of at least one chemical sample is drawn from a respective one of the sample storage tanks to a respective at least one of the plurality of sample holders. The carousel is rotated so that the desired volume of the at least one chemical sample may be dispensed into a receptacle positioned adjacent the carousel. The at least one chemical sample may then be mixed, heated, cooled, shaken and/or vibrated within the receptacle prior to dispensing.