Diagnostic Robot Rack for Automated Filtration Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current filtration systems for medical diagnosis, such as those used for tumor cell examination, require manual labor and skill to adjust pressure levels, leading to inefficiencies and potential valve damage from constant on/off cycling, which complicates routine and inexpensive use by untrained personnel.
Innovation Solution
A rack for diagnostic robots that includes a support for containers, gas-outlets for adjustable pressure levels, and separate gas pumps for super- and sub-atmospheric pressures, connected through tubing systems and valves to allow precise control of pressure levels, enabling automated and standardized filtration processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual valve adjustment is used to control pressure levels, then flexibility in pressure control is achieved, but operational complexity and skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines multiple pressure levels (super-atmospheric and sub-atmospheric) that are automatically applied to the container. This eliminates the need for manual real-time adjustment while maintaining the ability to control filtration processes at different stages, thus preserving adaptability while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system automatically manages pressure level transitions without requiring operator intervention. The automated application of pre-defined pressure levels allows the system to serve itself, reducing the skill level needed for operation while maintaining flexible pressure control for different filtration requirements.
2Measurement precision
If constant on/off cycling of valves is performed to maintain desired pressure levels, then precise pressure control is achieved, but valve lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure levels are pre-defined and automatically applied, eliminating the need for continuous valve cycling to maintain pressure. The system transitions between predetermined pressure states only when needed for different filtration stages, significantly reducing valve wear while maintaining precise pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous on/off cycling, the system uses periodic application of pressure levels corresponding to different filtration stages. This reduces the frequency of valve operations from continuous to discrete events, extending valve lifetime while maintaining the ability to achieve precise pressure control when required.
3Productivity
If automated pressure control is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is designed to provide multiple pressure levels and control functions through a unified automated mechanism. This multi-functional approach increases productivity by handling different filtration stages automatically, while the modular rack design keeps the system relatively simple and maintainable compared to fully customized automated solutions.
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 solution reduces manual labor, extends valve life, and allows untrained personnel to perform filtration tasks efficiently and effectively, maintaining diagnostic quality by providing pre-defined and adjustable pressure levels for filtration assemblies within medical diagnostic settings.
Implementation Method 1
The container is connected to tubes supplying the container with a gas at operator controlled super- and sub-atmospheric pressure, thereby allowing control of the filtration process
Implementation Method 2
The filter membrane is arranged evenly and/or flat on the supporting body
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for a diagnostic robot with at least one support for at least one container; at least one gas-outlet to supply the at least one container with a gas at a predefined but individually adjustable pressure level; a first gas pump to generate a gas at a predefined super-atmospheric pressure level; a second gas pump to generate a gas at a pre-defined sub-atmospheric pressure level; a first tubing system attached to the first gas pump and holding the gas generated by the first gas pump; a second tubing system attached to the second gas pump and holding the gas generated by the second gas pump; and at least one tube bridge, wherein one end of the bridge connects via a first valve into the first tubing system and the other end of the bridge connects via a second valve into the second tubing system, and wherein the at least one gas-outlet is connected to the center of the bridge.