Autosampler Sample Tracking for Vial Position and Workflow Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for tracking and managing samples in scientific instruments suffer from human errors, inability to track vial positions, and selection of incompatible workflows, leading to potential mishandling and incorrect experiments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a scientific instrument support module with sample manager logic, autosampler application logic, and experiment manager logic to automate sample tracking, vial position verification, and workflow management, using graphical user interfaces for user interaction and data validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking and management of samples is used, then device complexity is reduced, but human errors occur and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated tracking where the scientific instrument autonomously monitors sample containers, detects unique identifiers, and tracks positions without human intervention. The instrument self-manages the tracking data and generates alerts for mismatches, eliminating manual tracking operations while ensuring high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking operations with an automated electronic detection and data processing system. The scientific instrument uses detectors to scan unique identifiers and automatically records position information, substituting human manual tracking with electronic automation to improve reliability.
2Reliability
If automated tracking system is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thescientific instrument performs multiple functions: it conducts scientific analysis, tracks sample container positions, detects unique identifiers, and generates alerts for mismatches. By integrating these diverse functions into a single universal system, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated tracking equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Productivity
If vial position tracking is not implemented, then device complexity is low, but productivity decreases due to inability to detect positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual position of sample containers and comparing it with the expected position stored in memory. When a mismatch is detected, the system generates an alert to notify the user, enabling immediate correction of positioning errors and preventing wasted processing time, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of sample container positions before scientific analysis begins. By checking position matching in advance and alerting users to mismatches before processing starts, the system prevents wasted time and resources on incorrect samples, improving overall productivity.
4Reliability
If workflow compatibility verification is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to incompatible experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by comparing the detected unique identifier with stored workflow information and alerting the user when incompatibility is detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that only compatible workflows are executed, maintaining high reliability while using a relatively simple alert-based approach rather than complex automated blocking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are scientific instrument support systems, as well as related methods, computing devices, and computer-readable media. For example, in some embodiments, samples are tracked using unique identifiers. An autosampler may detect the samples using unique identifiers and provide alerts when the sample is placed in the wrong location or when an incorrect or incompatible workflow is selected for the sample.