Floating Barrier for Sample Tube Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automation systems in in vitro diagnostics face challenges in minimizing transit times and preventing splashing of patient samples, which leads to increased latency and reduced throughput due to the need to maintain slow speeds to avoid spilling.
Innovation Solution
The use of a material layer, such as foam, gel, or a floating disk, with a density less than the patient sample, is placed atop the fluid to restrict splashing and spilling, allowing for faster movement of uncapped sample tubes through the automation system without causing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sample tubes are transported at high speed through the automation system, then productivity is improved, but splashing and spilling of uncapped samples occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A floating barrier member is introduced as an intermediary element between the uncapped sample and the external environment. This barrier member physically blocks the sample from splashing or spilling while allowing the tube to be transported at high speeds through the automation system, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and sample containment.
2Reliability
If sample tubes are transported at slow speed, then splashing is minimized, but latency increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating barrier member serves as a mediator that enables high-speed transport without compromising sample containment. By providing continuous protection during transit, it eliminates the need for slow transport, thereby reducing transit time and increasing throughput while maintaining reliable sample containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier member is placed in position before transport begins, providing preemptive protection against potential splashing. This preliminary action allows the system to operate at higher speeds without risk, reducing overall transit time while maintaining sample integrity.
3Productivity
If uncapped samples are transported, then productivity is improved by eliminating capping/descapping steps, but risk of spilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating barrier member acts as an intermediary protective element that allows uncapped samples to be transported safely. It enables the system to eliminate time-consuming capping and uncapping operations while maintaining sample containment, thus improving throughput without increasing spilling risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection mechanism is segmented into individual floating barrier members that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the system to provide continuous protection during transport while maintaining the benefits of uncapped sample handling, resolving the contradiction between productivity and spilling risk.
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 enables higher-speed transportation of patient samples with reduced risk of splashing and spilling, thereby decreasing latency and increasing throughput in laboratory automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a ring-shaped floating member occupying at least one-half of the liquid surface
Implementation Method 2
restrict splashing motion of a patient sample
Data Source
Figure 1~4A
Figure 4B~4D
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An assembly for mitigating spillage of patient sample in a patient sample tube having an open top includes a patient sample in the tube and a layer of inert material floating on the sample fluid, such that the material restricts splashing movement of the sample's surface. The material can include a foam, a gel, or a disk. The disk can be approximately the diameter of the sample tube with a center opening configured to accept a pipette to provide access to the patient sample.