Disposable Cap Supply for Preanalytical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capping and decapping vessels containing biological samples in analytical systems require significant hardware and complexity, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as well as the need for additional space and complex interactions within the system.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a disposable cap supply with caps in a predefined geometrical arrangement, where a laterally and vertically moveable robotic manipulator retrieves and applies caps to vessels within a preanalytical system, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware and minimizing system complexity by using existing robotic components for cap handling and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable cartridge is used to recap vessels within an analyzer, then the capping function is achieved, but a considerable extent of hardware inside the analyzer is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable cap supply cartridge that is externally loaded and then discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex internal hardware mechanisms for cap storage and retrieval. The cartridge is a simple, low-cost component that can be replaced rather than maintained, significantly reducing the hardware complexity inside the analyzer while maintaining the capping function.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware is used for cap handling, then capping reliability is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cap supply and cap storage function from the main analyzer body and places it in an external disposable cartridge. This separation allows the analyzer to use its existing robotic manipulator for cap retrieval, eliminating the need for dedicated internal cap handling hardware while maintaining reliable capping through the precision of the existing robotic system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a composite plate with stored caps is used, then contamination is avoided, but additional hardware and space are required within the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable cap supply cartridge that is sealed and externally stored, preventing contamination until the caps are needed. The cartridge is discarded after use, eliminating the need for permanent, space-consuming contamination prevention mechanisms within the analyzer. The external storage and disposal approach maintains contamination avoidance while minimizing system space requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for capping vessels containing biological samples. The method comprises providing a cap supply with a plurality of caps for the vessels within compartments in a predefined geometrical arrangement. The cap supply is introduced through an interface into a preanalytical system comprising a housing. For this purpose, it is reversibly docked to a feeder for inserting the cap supply into the preanalytical system and retrieving it therefrom. Subsequently, a cap is retrieved from the supply by a robotic manipulator, and transported to a workstation holding the vessels. A vessel is then capped using the manipulator. The steps from introducing the cap supply into the preanalytical system to capping a vessel are then repeated a certain number of times or until all caps of the supply have been retrieved. Finally, the cap supply is retrieved from the preanalytical system. The invention also provides a preanalytical system and a cap supply for capping vessels containing biological samples.