Gripping Device Mixing Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processing systems for biological samples are complex and prone to contamination due to multiple components and levels, requiring separate transport devices and risking biological material escape during processing.
Innovation Solution
A simplified sample processing system using a gripping device with integrated mixing capabilities and a sensor for identification pattern detection, allowing for alignment and processing of sample containers without additional mixing devices, and incorporating a closure device for efficient opening and closing of sample containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate transport devices and multiple levels are used for sample processing, then sample containers can be moved to different processing stations, but the system complexity increases and contamination risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate transport devices into a single working arm that can perform transport, mixing, and other operations. The working arm integrates functions that were previously performed by separate robot arms, grippers, and lifting devices, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working arm is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions including transporting sample containers, mixing samples, and interacting with closure devices. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for specialized devices for each operation, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for transport and processing, then specific processing steps can be performed, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The working arm serves as a universal platform that can perform various processing steps including transport, mixing, and interaction with closure devices. This single multi-functional component replaces multiple specialized devices, reducing the number of components while maintaining processing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The working arm incorporates movable grippers that can adapt their position and configuration dynamically to perform different operations. This dynamic capability allows the same physical component to serve multiple functions, reducing the need for additional fixed components.
3Productivity
If sample containers are processed on different levels, then processing steps can be separated, but contamination risk increases due to potential material escape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mixing function from separate processing levels and integrates it into the working arm operation. By performing mixing during transport or at the same level as other operations, the system eliminates the need for multiple stacked levels, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining processing separation through sequential operations.
4Ease of operation
If additional mixing devices are provided, then sample liquid mixing can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing capability is merged into the working arm by equipping it with a movable gripper that can rotate sample containers. This integration eliminates the need for separate mixing devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining effective sample mixing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The working arm with its movable gripper serves as a universal device that performs both transport and mixing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of devices required in the system while ensuring that sample mixing capability is maintained.
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 reduces complexity, minimizes contamination risks, and optimizes processing by integrating mixing and identification alignment, enabling efficient handling and processing of biological samples with reduced components and improved alignment for accurate barcode detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor device is attached to the at least one gripping device, which is set up to detect an identification pattern, preferably a barcode, attached to a sample container, the control device being set up to actuate the gripping device in such a way that a gripped sample container is placed in a sample container carrier in a predetermined rotational position relative to that rotational position in which the identification pattern was detected
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sample processing system and method for processing biological samples, particularly bodily fluids like blood, saliva, secretions and the like or tissue samples, particularly for preparation of samples for a DNA analysis by means of PCR, comprising a sample processing device (12) having: an receiving plate (14), wherein the receiving plate (14) is arranged substantially horizontally in a plane defined by a first and second direction (x, y); a first and second working arm (20, 22), wherein the first and second working arm (20, 22) can move relative to the receiving plate (14), preferably along a first edge (18) of the receiving plate (14) in the first direction (X), and wherein the first and second working arm (20, 22) extend substantially parallel to each other in the second direction (Y) over the receiving plate (14), wherein at least one pipetting device (40, 42) is mounted on the first working arm (20) which is moveable in the second direction (Y) and in a third direction (Z) orthogonal in relation to the first and second direction (X, Y) and wherein at least one gripping device (50) is mounted on the second working arm (22) which is moveable in the second direction (Y) and in a third direction (Z) orthogonal in relation to the first and second direction (X, Y), wherein grippers (54) provided on the gripping device (50) can be rotated around a gripper axis of rotation (GA) parallel to the third direction (Z); and a control device for controlling the pipetting device (40, 42) and the gripping device (50). The system further comprises a plurality of sample containers (68) filled with samples, particularly liquid samples, or fillable with samples or reagents, a plurality of pipetting tips (48) which can be used by means of the pipetting device (48) for aspiring and dispensing sample fluid or additional reagents required for the sample processing, such as a lysis buffer, wherein the sample containers (68) and the pipetting tips (48) are arranged on the receiving plate (14) by means of corresponding sample container carriers (64, 66) and/or pipetting tip carriers (44). According to the invention the control device is arranged such that a sample fluid, particularly of liquid biological material or a mixture of at least one reagent with biological material to be dissolved or dissolved, in a sample container (68) is, by means of the gripper device (50), mixed by rotation of a sample holder (68), held by means of the gripper (54), around the gripper axis of rotation (GA), preferably at approximately 500 to 2000 revolutions per minute.