Insertable Network Instrument for Parallel Laboratory Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory instrument networks face inefficiencies in flexibility and throughput due to the need for sequential processing of samples across multiple instruments, leading to underutilization of resources and increased heat dissipation within protected environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of insertable instruments within a laboratory instrument network that can exchange data via a network interface, allowing for flexible configuration and parallel task execution, with a non-hierarchical peer-to-peer communication structure and Ethernet-based connectivity for efficient data exchange and hot-plugging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple instruments process samples sequentially in protected environments, then sample treatment is performed safely, but throughput is reduced and heat dissipation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample processing workflow into discrete tasks that can be distributed across multiple instruments. Each instrument executes specific tasks independently rather than sequentially, enabling parallel processing while maintaining protected environment safety requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instruments are designed with multi-functional capabilities to perform various sample treatment tasks. This universality allows any instrument in the network to handle different task types, enabling flexible parallel processing arrangements and improving overall throughput without requiring specialized dedicated equipment for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are configured with integrated treatment apparatuses, then basic functions are provided, but flexibility and resource utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs instruments with universal treatment apparatuses that can perform multiple sample processing functions. Rather than each instrument being dedicated to a single function, the integrated apparatuses are designed to handle various tasks, providing flexibility while managing complexity through standardized multi-functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument configuration is made dynamic through the task distribution mechanism. Instruments can be dynamically assigned different tasks based on current workflow requirements, allowing the system to adapt to changing demands without requiring physical reconfiguration of the instruments themselves.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If data processing is performed inside the working chamber, then data exchange is simplified, but heat dissipation affects the protected environment
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing function is extracted from the working chamber environment and relocated to external instruments or networked computers. This separation removes the heat-generating data processing operations from the temperature-sensitive protected environment, eliminating the harmful thermal effects while maintaining data exchange capabilities through the network interface.
4Productivity
If sequential processing is used across instruments, then task execution is simplified, but resource utilization and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where instruments report task completion status and availability to the network. This feedback enables the task distribution system to dynamically allocate workloads based on current instrument states, optimizing resource utilization while maintaining simplified operation through automated control rather than manual coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a laboratory instrument comprising a network interface apparatus (6), which is configured to provide, in the inserted position of the insertable instrument, a data connection between at least two network instruments of a laboratory instrument network (100), which network instruments are taken from the group of network instruments including at least a first control apparatus (4) of the laboratory instrument and the at least one insertable instrument (20; 30). The invention further relates to a laboratory instrument network including the laboratory instrument and a method for working on laboratory samples using the laboratory instrument network.