Barcode Tray Storage System for Automated Sample Retrieval
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing and retrieving samples in laboratories with small to medium volumes are inefficient, costly, and unsuitable for laboratories with varying test requirements and technologies, leading to manual searches that consume significant resources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a linear support with optical-readable labels for object position and identification, a reading base, a control module, and visual indicators to facilitate quick and efficient storage and retrieval of samples, using a removable tray with guide rails and optical reading means to record and locate samples in a database, and provide visual cues for collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual search methods are used to locate samples in racks, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases significantly due to time-consuming manual searches
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic optical scanning of barcodes on samples and racks, with visual indicators automatically guiding operators to the correct sample locations without manual intervention in the search process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical searching with an optical-mechanical system using barcode scanners, databases, and visual indicators (LED lights) to automatically locate and identify sample positions
2Productivity
If visual indicators are added to each receiving chamber to improve retrieval speed, then productivity increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators in the form of colored lights (LED indicators) that change state (on/off, different colors) to indicate sample locations, providing clear visual cues for rapid sample identification and retrieval
3Productivity
If optical reading means are used to automatically identify samples, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual identification processes with optical reading means (barcode scanners) that automatically read and process sample identification data, eliminating manual searching and data entry
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and stores digital copies of sample information in a database, allowing rapid retrieval and matching of sample data without physically handling or manually examining each sample
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast, efficient, and cost-effective classification and retrieval of samples by automating the storage and identification process, reducing manual search time and resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a reading base with optical reading means configured to obtain the position information of the at least one chamber and identification information of the object to be stored, wherein said identification information is previously recorded on a second label arranged on the object and readable with optical means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a system for managing the storage of objects, especially of laboratory sample containers such as test tubes. It comprises a receiving support for objects with barcodes (13); a reading base (25) with optical means (21); a receiving tray (26) with a guide rail (22) which enables the movement (23) of the support, resulting in an ordered succession of readings, by the optical means (21), of the barcodes arranged in the support and the object located in said support; and a control module for receiving the readings from the optical means, determining a relative position of the object and storing it in a database together with identification information of the object, wherein the stored objects may then be retrieved by means of a lighting system associated with the relative position of the object in the system.