Carrier Transport System for Semi-Automated Sample Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample testing systems require multiple machines and significant labor for processing biological samples, making them inefficient for smaller laboratories that need high-throughput testing without the complexity and cost of fully automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A transport system for automatic sample testing machines that includes a carrier with position tracking and a motor-driven block for moving the carrier along a predetermined path, allowing for semi-automated processing of test sample devices through various stations within a single instrument, including vacuum loading, sealing, incubation, and reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate machines are used for sample processing, then each machine can be specialized and reliable, but the overall system complexity and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate processing functions (vacuum loading, sealing, incubation, and reading) into a single integrated instrument with a unified carrier-based transport system. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and manual transfer operations, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining specialized processing capabilities for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates multiple processing stations that can handle different sample processing functions within a single device. The carrier system is designed to accommodate various test sample devices and can be processed through different stations (vacuum loading, sealing, incubation, reading) in sequence, providing multi-functional capability in one instrument
2Productivity
If fully automated systems are implemented, then processing throughput increases, but the cost and complexity become prohibitive for smaller laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation by automating the carrier transport and positioning mechanisms while allowing manual loading of carriers and manual operation of individual processing stations when needed. This partial automation approach provides increased throughput compared to fully manual systems without requiring the complete automation infrastructure of fully automated systems, making it suitable for smaller laboratories
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier-based transport system automatically moves carriers between processing stations and positions them for processing without requiring manual intervention for each transfer. The system self-manages the coordination between stations and carriers, reducing labor requirements while maintaining flexibility for manual operation when necessary
3Device complexity
If manual processing is used, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but processing time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Samples are pre-loaded into carriers at a central location before processing begins. This preliminary action allows multiple samples to be prepared in advance and organized in the carrier system, enabling batch processing through the various stations without requiring manual setup for each individual sample during processing, thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining system simplicity
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 system enables efficient, semi-automated processing of biological samples, reducing the need for multiple machines and labor while maintaining high-throughput capabilities, making it suitable for smaller laboratories with lower costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The filling and sealing machine generates a vacuum. When the vacuum is released, the fluid sample is drawn from the test tube into the transfer tube and through the internal channels of the card and into all of the sample wells.
Implementation Method 2
An optical reader is provided for conducting transmittance testing of the wells of the card.
Implementation Method 3
A wire extending through an opening in the housing is heated to melt and seal the transfer tube.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots or voids that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.