Automated Cell Sample Preparation With Temperature-Controlled Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual preparation of cell samples for analysis is influenced by environmental factors and technician skill, leading to variable and unreliable results, especially in high-volume laboratories.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus and method for processing biological samples, including a sample receiving device, auxiliary material device, sample carrier device, discharge device, and capture device, with temperature control and robotics for precise sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preparation methods are used for cell samples, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but reliability and reproducibility deteriorate due to environmental factors and technician skill variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm performs sample transfer, reagent addition, and mixing operations that were previously done manually, eliminating variability introduced by different technicians and environmental conditions while maintaining the essential functions of sample preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements precise control of physical parameters including temperature (maintaining samples at controlled temperatures), timing (precise control of incubation and mixing durations), and motion (controlled movement of robotic arm and pipettes). These parameter controls ensure reproducible results across different preparations and operators.
2Reliability
If automated processing is implemented, then reliability and reproducibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed to perform multiple functions: sample transfer, reagent addition, mixing, incubation, and plate handling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving automated reliable processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic features such as self-mixing through robotic agitation, self-incubation through temperature-controlled chambers, and self-cleaning protocols. These self-service capabilities reduce the need for additional complex control systems and manual intervention, maintaining stability while managing complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are processed in high-volume laboratories, then productivity increases, but variability in results worsens due to environmental factors and processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables continuous processing of multiple samples without interruption. Samples are transferred, reagents are added, and mixing occurs continuously in a streamlined sequence, eliminating idle time and environmental exposure that cause variability. This continuous operation maintains quality consistency while increasing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions such as pre-cooling reagents, pre-warming incubation chambers, and pre-positioning samples before processing begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that all samples start under identical controlled conditions, preventing variability even as throughput increases.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the automated processing of samples containing biological cells—in particular, of blood samples or other cell samples is provided. The apparatus has at least the following components: a sample receiving device configured to receive one or more samples; an auxiliary material receiving device configured to receive one or more auxiliary materials; a sample carrier receiving device configured to receive one or more sample carriers; a discharge device configured to discharge one or more samples from a discharge position; and a capture device configured to capture one or more discharged samples in a capture position to obtain one or more prepared samples; wherein the distance between the discharge position and the capture position can be adjusted to a prespecified height, and the apparatus further includes at least one temperature control device for controlling the temperature of at least one of the sample carriers.