Consumable Kit Docking Cartridge for Sterile Robotic Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell therapy manufacturing processes are labor-intensive, inefficient, and not scalable, leading to low throughput, high production costs, and risks of contamination due to manual handling and operator variability.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a dock and a cartridge that facilitates automated loading and unloading of consumable kits using robotic systems, ensuring precise installation and alignment without human intervention, while maintaining a sterile environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and operator intervention are used in cell therapy manufacturing, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated cartridge loading and unloading mechanisms that operate without human intervention. The robotic arm automatically retrieves cartridges from the cartridge holder, transports them to the processing chamber, and secures them in position, allowing the manufacturing system to service itself and eliminate contamination risks associated with manual handling
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm, controlled by a processor, substitutes human operators in performing cartridge handling tasks, thereby eliminating the contamination risk of manual handling while maintaining precise mechanical control over the manufacturing process
2Productivity
If highly skilled technicians manually operate manufacturing equipment, then process flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves multiple functions within the manufacturing system: retrieving cartridges from the holder, transporting them to the processing chamber, positioning them accurately, and securing them in place. This multi-functional automation system replaces multiple manual operations, increasing productivity while the integrated design manages system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm acts as an intermediary between the cartridge holder and the processing chamber. It mediates the transfer of cartridges between these components, automating the interface between storage and processing while managing the complexity of coordination through programmed control sequences
3Loss of time
If cartridges are manually loaded and unloaded, then operational simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning cartridges in the cartridge holder and pre-programming the robotic arm's movement paths and positioning sequences. This preparation enables rapid automated retrieval and loading operations, significantly reducing the time required for cartridge changes while the pre-programmed sequences manage operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a cartridge for holding a consumable kit and a dock for holding an instrument. The cartridge includes first docking members and first locking members, and the dock includes second docking members and second locking members. The first and second docking members are removably coupled to each other, establishing a single degree of freedom motion for moving the cartridge relative to the dock. The first and second locking members are selectively coupled to each other, selectively locking the cartridge with the dock in the single degree of freedom motion. The apparatus facilities automated loading of the consumable kit to the instrument.