Automated Biological Sample Aliquoting with CO2 Laser Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for processing biological swabs are labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and lack automation, leading to inefficiencies and potential sample misidentification during the introduction of samples into laboratory testing processes.
Innovation Solution
An automated system utilizing a robotic instrument with a CO2 laser cutter and bar code reader to non-contactedly read and record sample identification numbers, cut biological swabs, and place them into specific locations in tubes or multi-well plates, ensuring sample integrity and reducing manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual cutting and transfer methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and sample integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting operations with a CO2 laser cutting system. The laser automatically cuts swab stems based on digital positioning, eliminating the need for manual manipulation with scissors or blades. This substitution of mechanical systems with automated optical systems directly resolves the contradiction by automating the process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-controlled positioning system and laser intermediary between the operator and the sample. Instead of direct manual handling, the system uses software-controlled laser positioning and automated cutting mechanisms as intermediaries to perform the aliquoting process, thereby automating sample processing while managing system complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Reliability
If contact cutting methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but sample contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical cutting (scissors, blades, punches) with non-contact laser cutting. The CO2 laser beam cuts the swab stem without physically touching the sample, eliminating the risk of sample-to-sample contamination through contact. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by prioritizing sample integrity while accepting the complexity of laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cutting function from physical contact tools and implements it through electromagnetic energy (laser). By taking out the mechanical contact element entirely and using only energy-based cutting, the system eliminates contamination risks associated with physical contact while managing the complexity through specialized laser equipment.
3Productivity
If automated laser cutting is implemented, then processing speed increases, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual cutting operations with automated laser cutting, dramatically increasing processing throughput. The laser system can automatically cut multiple swabs in rapid succession without fatigue or repositioning delays, directly addressing the productivity improvement while accepting the higher equipment cost as necessary for automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of cutting method from mechanical to optical, enabling automated high-speed operation. By changing the cutting mechanism parameter to laser-based, the system achieves rapid processing speeds and high throughput, justifying the equipment investment through significant productivity gains.
4Reliability
If manual aliquoting is performed, then equipment cost is reduced, but sample misidentification risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a computer-controlled system that tracks and records the position and processing status of each sample. The system provides feedback control to ensure correct aliquoting of each swab to the appropriate well, eliminating misidentification errors while maintaining high throughput through automated tracking and verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces error-prone manual tracking and placement with automated computer-controlled positioning and verification systems. The digital control system automatically tracks sample identifiers and ensures correct placement, dramatically improving identification accuracy while maintaining productivity through automation.
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 automation of sample cutting and aliquoting significantly reduces operational time and costs while minimizing contamination and sample misidentification, ensuring reliable and accurate sample processing.
Implementation Method 1
An automated system utilizing a robotic instrument with a CO2 laser cutter
Data Source
AI summary
An automated biological sample aliquoting processing system is disclosed for handling biological samples. The system reads and records a sample identification number, cuts a biological sample, and places a portion of the biological sample into a specific location in a multi-well plate. The system ensures sample integrity and also greatly reduces the man hours currently required to process biological samples. The system, which automates sample cutting and aliquoting, reduces the time and cost of operation, while eliminating manual steps in a laboratory process.