Automated Diagnostic Probe Washer Station Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic systems for cellular analysis are inefficient and require significant clinician interaction, with multiple steps and equipment, leading to increased processing time and potential for errors, especially when handling various types of specimen tubes with different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated diagnostic system that integrates specimen preparation and analysis, using a probe washer station and fluid level sensors based on light refraction and absorption to efficiently process multiple samples with minimal clinician intervention, capable of handling various tube configurations and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple separate diagnostic instruments are used for specimen preparation and analysis, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the overall processing time increases and clinician interaction is required for transferring samples between instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic functions (specimen preparation, analysis, and processing) into a single integrated instrument. This eliminates the need for transferring samples between separate instruments, reducing processing time and clinician interaction requirements while maintaining dedicated functionality for each diagnostic step
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of various specimen tube configurations is performed, then flexibility in handling different tube types is maintained, but processing time increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates automatic detection and adaptation mechanisms that identify different specimen tube configurations and adjust processing parameters automatically. This self-service capability eliminates manual intervention for tube type identification while maintaining versatility in handling various tube configurations, thereby increasing processing speed and reducing errors
3Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented, then processing speed and consistency improve, but the ability to handle various tube configurations and sizes requires more complex detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal detection system using light refraction and absorption principles that can identify various tube configurations and fluid levels through a single integrated sensor approach. This multi-functional detection capability automates sample processing while handling diverse tube types without requiring multiple specialized detection systems, balancing productivity improvement with controlled device complexity
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
The system significantly reduces processing time, increases throughput, and minimizes errors by automating sample preparation and analysis, allowing continuous processing of multiple samples with reduced labor costs and equipment footprint.
Implementation Method 1
fluid level sensors based on light refraction and absorption
Implementation Method 2
fluid level sensors based on light refraction and absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic instrument is disclosed. The diagnostic instrument may have a highly efficient probe washer station and/or may be able to sense whether there is a tube septum on a specimen tube to be sampled. The instrument may also be able to determine where the bottom of the tube is located. The probe washer station may have a flow of saline that is used to wash both the internal cavity and the external circumference of the probe.