Barcode Collar for Automated Sample Vessel Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individual wells or small sample vessels in laboratories cannot be individually tracked due to the inability to accommodate a barcode, making them incompatible with automated processes that require manual scanning.
Innovation Solution
A device that attaches a barcode directly to a sample vessel, allowing for automated scanning while maintaining access to the vessel's interior, featuring a collar that fits around the shaft of test tubes and a platform for the barcode, enabling simultaneous scanning of multiple vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a barcode is applied to the side of a sample vessel, then the sample vessel can be identified, but manual scanning is required which makes it incompatible with automated processes
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is moved from the side surface of the vessel to the bottom surface, changing the dimensional location. This allows automated scanners to read the barcode from above without requiring manual intervention, while the collar structure ensures the barcode remains accessible to automated scanning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A collar structure is introduced as an intermediary component that attaches to the sample vessel. This collar provides a platform for mounting the barcode, effectively mediating between the vessel and the automated scanning system, enabling automation compatibility without modifying the vessel itself.
2Measurement precision
If a barcode is applied to the side of a sample vessel, then identification is possible, but the location requires manual scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode is pre-positioned on the bottom of the collar in a standardized location that is automatically accessible to scanning systems. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual scanning operations, reducing time loss while maintaining accurate identification.
3Extent of automation
If a collar is attached to a test tube to hold a barcode, then automated scanning becomes possible, but access to the vessel interior must not be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: the collar for automation compatibility (housing the barcode) and the vessel for sample access. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, enabling both automated scanning and unrestricted vessel access.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed with universal features that allow it to attach to various vessel types while maintaining both automated scanning capability and vessel accessibility. The collar serves multiple functions: mounting the barcode, attaching to different vessel sizes, and not interfering with vessel operations.
4Loss of information
If individual wells or sample vessels are barcoded, then they can be tracked individually, but current methods require manual scanning which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
Manual scanning operations are replaced with automated optical scanning systems. The barcode positioning on the collar bottom enables non-contact automated reading, substituting manual mechanical scanning with automated optical detection, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining individual sample tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to devices and systems for individually barcoding sample vessels. In certain embodiments, the devices comprise an attachment member and an extension member, where the extension member can accommodate an identifier, such as a barcode. When loaded into a substrate, the barcoded vials are scanned by a barcode reader.