Continuous Access Centrifuge for Clinical Analyzer Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory systems for blood sample processing are labor-intensive and time-consuming, particularly in sorting, balancing, and centrifugation steps, which delays assay results and exposes operators to biological hazards and physical injuries.
Innovation Solution
A continuous access centrifuge system that integrates clinical chemistry, immunoassay, and hematology testing, allowing for the processing of a single sample tube for multiple analyses, with features like a carousel design for sample tube handling, balancing, and energy independence, enabling random and continuous access for high-throughput processing without requiring new analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional batch centrifugation systems are used, then samples can be processed, but operator exposure to biological hazards and physical injuries increases, and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the centrifuge with the clinical chemistry analyzer into an integrated system where sample processing, centrifugation, and analysis occur in a unified automated workflow. This eliminates the need for operators to manually handle samples between separate devices, reducing exposure to biological hazards while maintaining efficient processing times through continuous automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated sample loading, centrifugation, and result delivery without requiring operator intervention during the processing cycle. The integrated design allows the system to service itself by automatically transferring samples between modules, eliminating manual handling steps that expose operators to biological hazards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate analyzers are used for different tests, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional system where a single integrated analyzer can perform multiple types of clinical chemistry tests, immunoassays, and hematocrit measurements. The system accepts various sample tube types and configurations, providing universal testing capability without requiring operators to manage multiple separate devices, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple testing functions into a single integrated platform that combines sample processing, centrifugation, and multiple analysis modalities. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive testing capability across different assay types.
3Productivity
If manual sorting and balancing of sample tubes is performed, then samples can be prepared for centrifugation, but labor intensity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated sample tube handling where the loader automatically sorts, positions, and balances sample tubes before centrifugation without requiring manual operator intervention. The system self-monitors tube placement and makes automated adjustments to achieve proper balancing, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations of sorting and balancing sample tubes with an automated mechanical system controlled by sensors and actuators. The automated loader uses optical or positional sensors to identify tube locations and employs robotic mechanisms to sort and balance tubes, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while increasing processing throughput.
4Reliability
If closed tube sampling with stoppers is used, then sample integrity is maintained, but access for aspiration requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual stopper removal or piercing operations with an automated piercing mechanism that uses a controlled mechanical or pneumatic device to puncture the stopper and aspirate the sample. This automated approach maintains sample integrity by keeping tubes closed until the controlled piercing moment, while simultaneously improving accessibility through automation that eliminates manual manipulation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated piercing and aspiration mechanism that bridges the closed tube system and the analysis requirements. The intermediary device automatically pierces the stopper, aspirates the required sample volume, and seals the tube again, maintaining sample integrity while eliminating the need for manual stopper removal and reducing operator exposure to biological hazards.
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
This system reduces operator risks, minimizes labor and time for sample processing, and allows for efficient handling of STAT samples, while enabling modern centrifugation techniques in various environments, including developing countries, by integrating blood separation into the analyzer system and reducing the need for multiple sample tubes.
Implementation Method 1
A centrifuge is a piece of equipment that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis, applying a force perpendicular to the axis. The centrifuge works using the sedimentation principle, where the centripetal acceleration causes more dense substance to separate out along the radial direction (the bottom of the tube).
Implementation Method 2
The lower portion of the carousel includes the rotor coils and field coils for bringing about movement of the carousel itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.