Cryogenic Transfer Basket for Automated Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scientific analysis systems for substances like crystals, particularly in pharmaceutical compositions, face inefficiencies in handling multiple samples due to the need for manual handling and separate processing of individual magazines, increasing the dedicated operating time of x-ray sources like synchrotrons.
Innovation Solution
A batch processing approach is implemented using a sample basket that can hold multiple magazines, allowing the automated ACTOR system to analyze samples from multiple magazines in a single sequence, reducing operator involvement and enhancing workflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual magazines are handled separately with manual transfer operations, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but analysis time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual magazine handling operations are merged into a single batch transfer operation. The sample basket consolidates multiple magazines, allowing the robotic system to transfer and process them simultaneously in one sequence, eliminating repeated manual intervention for each magazine.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is enhanced to autonomously handle the batch processing of multiple magazines without requiring operator intervention between each magazine transfer. The system self-manages the sequence of operations, loading, analyzing, and unloading multiple magazines automatically.
2Productivity
If multiple magazines are processed in a single batch sequence, then overall analysis time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample basket acts as a container that nests multiple magazines within a single transferable unit. This nested structure allows the robotic system to handle multiple magazines as one integrated load, increasing throughput without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample basket serves multiple functions: it acts as a transfer container, a storage holder for multiple magazines, and a sequencing mechanism for batch processing. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single device, improving productivity while limiting complexity growth.
3Loss of time
If manual transfer of magazines is performed individually, then system simplicity is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple magazines are pre-loaded into the sample basket before being transferred to the analysis system. This preliminary consolidation action reduces the number of transfer operations required during analysis, minimizing handling time and maximizing automated processing efficiency.
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 approach significantly reduces analysis time by enabling the automated handling and processing of up to 112 samples in a single analysis sequence, enhancing the overall efficiency of the sample workflow and reducing the need for manual handling.
Implementation Method 1
Dewars 12 and 16 are partially filled with a cryogenic liquid such as liquid Nitrogen (LN2)
Implementation Method 2
exposing samples to x-ray radiation producing x-ray diffraction patterns
Implementation Method 3
exposing samples to x-ray radiation producing x-ray diffraction patterns which are characteristic of the molecular makeup of the sample crystal
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system assembly and method for analyzing a plurality of samples and handling the cryogenically cooled samples from a shipping dewar into a position for analysis by an x-ray based analysis system. The system and method include a basket component containing a plurality of sample magazines each containing a plurality of samples, all covered by a volume of cryogenic liquid. The basket is transported from the shipping dewar to a transfer dewar. Cover components of the magazines are removed while the basket and magazines are submerged in a cryogenic liquid of the transfer dewar. The basket is removed from the transfer dewar and placed into a staging dewar of the analysis system. A robotic manipulator of the analysis system can then locate and transport individual samples to a sample stage of the analysis system.