Autonomous Sample Carriers for Low-Latency Lab Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lab automation systems for in vitro diagnostics face inefficiencies due to bottlenecks in sample transportation, particularly with friction track systems that lack intelligence and autonomy, leading to increased latency and queuing, which can affect the integrity of samples like whole blood and hinder the processing of urgent STAT samples.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of intelligent, semi-autonomous carriers with onboard processors and communication systems that can navigate independently along a track with decision points, allowing for real-time routing decisions without stopping, and manage acceleration and jerk to ensure safe transport of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If friction track systems are used for sample transportation, then sample transport capability is provided, but latency and queuing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system performs self-service through autonomous navigation capabilities. Each carrier is equipped with onboard processors and communication systems that enable it to independently make routing decisions, determine its location using landmarks, and navigate to destinations without requiring external control interventions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized scheduling and reduces queuing latency at decision points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-mapping the track geometry and storing landmark locations in the carriers' onboard memory before operation begins. Carriers load routing algorithms and track configuration data in advance, enabling them to make rapid real-time decisions without requiring external computation or communication during actual sample transport, thereby reducing latency.
2Productivity
If intelligent carriers with autonomous navigation are implemented, then routing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation intelligence is segmented and distributed to individual carriers rather than centralized in a single control system. Each carrier has its own onboard processor and communication system that handles routing decisions independently. This segmentation allows carriers to operate autonomously while reducing the computational burden on any single system and improving overall routing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design incorporates multi-functionality by integrating sample transport, autonomous navigation, communication, and routing decision-making capabilities into a single universal platform. This universal carrier can handle various sample types and navigate complex track geometries using the same core system, reducing overall device complexity compared to specialized systems for each function.
3Loss of time
If carriers move continuously without stopping, then latency is reduced, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through onboard sensors that monitor carrier position relative to landmarks, track geometry, and navigation status in real-time. This feedback enables carriers to continuously adjust their trajectories and maintain precise routing control while moving continuously without stopping, thereby reducing latency while preserving control precision.
4Reliability
If traditional friction track systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system performs self-service through autonomous navigation capabilities. Each carrier is equipped with onboard processors and communication systems that enable it to independently make routing decisions, determine its location using landmarks, and navigate to destinations without requiring external control interventions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized scheduling and reduces queuing latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by transitioning from continuous friction-based motion to controlled magnetic or contactless propulsion. This parameter change allows for smoother acceleration and deceleration profiles, reducing mechanical stress and vibration on samples while maintaining system simplicity through the use of established magnetic propulsion technology.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. A central management controller can communicate wirelessly with the carriers to direct the carriers to carry a fluid sample to testing stations along a track within the automation system. The carriers control local motion and navigate decision points, such as forks in the track, to reach the appropriate testing station independently. The carriers can utilize landmarks and distance encoding to reach destinations accurately and quickly, including, for example, within less than the time for a single operation cycle of an automated clinical analyzer.