Centrifuge Loading Unloading Common Bucket Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current centrifuge loading and unloading systems are inefficient due to segregated input and output processing, requiring excessive robot motion and time, leading to wasted opportunities when the centrifuge is not processing samples, and resulting in increased costs and processing time.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a common bucket insert at the staging area contains both processed and unprocessed sample containers simultaneously, with robots moving these containers between the staging area and the centrifuge, and a controller managing the movement sequence to minimize robot motions and optimize loading/unloading efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate incoming and outgoing bucket inserts are used for centrifuge loading and unloading, then sample containers can be processed through the centrifuge, but the robot must travel between separate staging areas increasing motion time and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incoming and outgoing staging areas into a single unified staging area where both unprocessed and processed sample containers coexist. This merging eliminates the need for the robot to travel between separate staging areas, reducing motion time while maintaining the ability to load and unload the centrifuge efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The unified staging area serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an incoming staging area for unprocessed samples and an outgoing staging area for processed samples. The robot can perform both loading and unloading operations from this single location, making the staging area multi-functional and eliminating redundant travel
2Productivity
If multiple separate bucket inserts are used for incoming and outgoing samples, then sample processing can occur, but the number of bucket inserts increases system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate bucket inserts (incoming and outgoing) into a single unified staging area with a common bucket insert. This reduces the total number of bucket inserts required while maintaining the ability to handle both unprocessed and processed samples simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The common bucket insert in the unified staging area performs multiple functions: it receives unprocessed samples from the centrifuge, holds them alongside processed samples, and provides access for both loading and unloading operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated separate inserts
3Productivity
If the robot moves between separate incoming and outgoing staging areas, then complete sample processing can occur, but overall processing time increases due to excessive robot motions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the incoming and outgoing staging areas into one unified location, the patent eliminates the robot's need to travel between separate areas. The robot can perform loading and unloading operations in close proximity, significantly reducing the time spent on motion and thereby reducing overall processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The unified staging area is prepared in advance to accommodate both unprocessed and processed samples simultaneously. This preliminary arrangement allows the robot to immediately begin loading and unloading operations without needing to relocate between staging areas, reducing idle time and accelerating the overall process
Data Source
AI summary
A loading and unloading system loads/unloads a sample processor (e.g., a centrifuge). The system includes a staging area containing inserts, at least one being a common insert, the sample processor having locations receiving inserts containing unprocessed sample containers, one or more robots operable to move unprocessed and processed sample containers to and from the common insert as well as move the inserts between the staging area and the sample processor, and a controller commanding the one or more robots to carry out a sample container movement sequence to load and unload unprocessed and processed sample containers to and from the common insert at the staging area, wherein the common bucket insert contains both processed and unprocessed sample containers at a same time. Methods of operating the system are provided.