Automated Cell Culturing System with Single-Device Loading Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for culturing in vitro fertilized embryos and other fragile cellular materials face challenges in preventing sample mix-ups due to the need for multiple incubators and limited sample handling, which is costly and space-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A culturing system with loading/exit control means that allows only one device to be loaded or removed at a time, combined with machine-readable tags for identification and a monitoring system to ensure secure handling and minimize environmental disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple incubators are used to culture different cell samples separately, then the risk of sample mix-up is reduced, but the cost and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple incubator functions into a single device by implementing an automated robotic system with robotic arms that can selectively access and manipulate individual sample containers within one incubator chamber, eliminating the need for multiple separate incubators while maintaining sample isolation and identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces robotic arms and automated control systems as intermediaries between the operator and the cell samples, enabling precise sample handling and identification within a single incubator without direct human intervention, thus preventing mix-ups while reducing space requirements
2Reliability
If the number of objects cultured in each incubator is reduced to ensure one to one identification, then the risk of mix-up is minimized, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated robotic systems that autonomously perform sample identification, selection, and manipulation tasks using machine-readable tags and control algorithms, maintaining high sample throughput without human intervention and eliminating the need to reduce culturing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sample handling with automated robotic arms equipped with precise positioning and manipulation capabilities, enabling high-speed sample processing and identification while maintaining one-to-one tracking accuracy, thus improving productivity rather than reducing it
3Quantity of substance
If a large number of culturing systems are used to handle more samples, then the sample capacity increases, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal culturing system with multi-functional robotic arms that can handle multiple sample types and perform various operations (loading, unloading, monitoring, manipulating) within a single incubator, replacing the need for multiple specialized culturing systems and reducing overall cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional positioning within the incubator chamber to accommodate multiple sample containers at different levels and positions, accessed by robotic arms with multi-axis movement, thereby increasing sample capacity without requiring additional horizontal space or multiple separate systems
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system arranged for assisting secure handling of cells in order to minimize the risk of handling mistakes resulting in mix-up of cell samples. The system allows for one to one identification of cells during a whole culturing period. This is obtained by providing a culturing system with loading/exit control means which ensures that only one device is capable of being loaded/removed at a time.