Autonomous Drone Sample Delivery for Test Track Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample delivery systems for automated sample test tracks face inefficiencies due to remote locations of samples and test tracks, degradation of biological samples over time, and longer wait times at busier test tracks, leading to delays in obtaining test results.
Innovation Solution
A remote sample delivery system utilizing unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs or drones) that can securely transport biological samples to sample test tracks, read sample identifiers, and navigate to the most efficient test track based on capacity, wait time, and ordered tests, thereby optimizing sample delivery and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If samples are transported to remote test tracks using conventional methods, then sample delivery is achieved, but delivery time increases and sample degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical ground-based transport systems with an aerial drone delivery system. The drone uses aerodynamic flight to transport samples, substituting traditional mechanical conveyance with aerodynamic propulsion, enabling faster and more direct routes to remote test tracks while maintaining sample integrity through controlled environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional transport to three-dimensional aerial transport. By utilizing the vertical dimension and aerial space, the drone can bypass ground obstacles and take direct routes to remote test tracks, significantly reducing delivery time and improving sample integrity.
2Productivity
If samples are delivered to busier test tracks, then test capacity is utilized, but wait time for results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the system monitors test track status, capacity, and wait times in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically route samples to the most appropriate test tracks, balancing utilization with minimal wait time. The system can redirect samples from overloaded tracks to underutilized tracks based on current conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing that adapts to changing test track conditions. Rather than fixed routing, the system continuously adjusts delivery destinations based on real-time data about test track capacity, workload, and expected wait times, optimizing both utilization and turnaround time.
3Productivity
If manual sample handling is used, then system complexity is reduced, but delivery efficiency and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the drone system autonomously performs sample collection, navigation, identification reading, and delivery without human intervention. The system reads sample identifiers automatically, navigates to the correct test tracks independently, and handles samples throughout the process, eliminating manual labor while maintaining controlled complexity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional drone system that performs multiple tasks: sample transport, identifier reading, navigation, and delivery coordination. By consolidating these functions into a single automated platform, the system achieves high delivery efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A biological sample test system and method includes a remote sample delivery system, configured to secure a container for a biological sample, the container including a sample identifier. A sample receiving station is configured to receive the container from the remote sample delivery system based on the sample identifier. The remote sample delivery system is configured to automatically navigate to the sample receiving station upon the container being secured to the remote sample delivery system. A sample test track, comprising a plurality of test stations and a container conveyance system configured to sequentially deliver the container to individual ones of the plurality of test stations based, at least in part, on sample identifier.