Automated Biological Material Processing Apparatus with Optical Vessel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems for processing biological materials, such as biomolecules, lack the high quality standards of centrifuge columns and require significant manual intervention, leading to increased errors and processing time, especially when handling multiple samples simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that integrates a centrifuge with a gripper unit capable of handling and transferring vessels within the centrifuge, allowing for automated execution of procedural steps such as pipetting, gripping, and releasing vessels, thereby reducing manual intervention and enhancing throughput while maintaining high quality standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual treatment of centrifuge columns is used, then high quality standard is achieved, but processing time increases and risk of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical sensors to automatically detect markings on centrifuge columns and container stations, and uses this information to autonomously determine vessel types and configure processing parameters, eliminating the need for manual identification and setup while maintaining high quality standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic arm that transfers vessels between stations based on optical detection data, substituting human operation with automated mechanical systems that reduce both time and error risk
2Loss of time
If automation system is used, then processing time is reduced, but quality standard decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates optical sensors that continuously detect markings on vessels and container stations, providing feedback to the control unit which adjusts processing parameters accordingly, ensuring that automated processing maintains the same quality standards as manual processing by adapting to specific vessel characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of vessel markings and container station markings before processing begins, allowing the control unit to pre-configure optimal processing parameters for each specific combination of vessels and stations, thereby maintaining high quality standards from the start of automated processing
3Productivity
If multiple samples are processed simultaneously, then throughput increases, but risk of cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a robotic arm as an intermediary that transfers vessels between stations without direct human contact, and uses optical sensors to detect and identify each vessel's markings, ensuring proper tracking and minimizing cross-contamination risk while enabling parallel processing of multiple samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital record of each vessel's markings through optical detection, storing information about vessel type and contents in the control unit, which serves as a copy that tracks each sample throughout the processing sequence, enabling simultaneous processing while maintaining sample identity and reducing cross-contamination risk
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
The apparatus enables efficient and automated processing of biological materials, minimizing cross-contamination and processing time, while maintaining high quality standards by integrating vessel handling and transfer within the centrifuge, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of biomolecule purification processes.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation sensor for reading the presence of markings
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a
AI summary
An apparatus for processing biological material, comprises a container station (720) for keeping a supply of vessels (730); a marking (721,722) on the container station, which contains information as to the nature of the vessels; and a radiation sensor (810a) for reading the marking.