Laboratory Automation Site Network Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of laboratory automation systems is lengthy and cumbersome, often resulting in systems that do not operate as expected due to insufficient resources or inefficient configurations, leading to processing delays and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of site graphs for laboratory automation systems by stitching subgraphs associated with system blocks, using site nodes, edges, and pseudo nodes to form a site network, allowing for simulation and optimization of system configurations before implementation, thereby ensuring they meet user-specific design, process, and spatial constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional design processes are used for laboratory automation systems, then the system can be designed with basic functionality, but the design process becomes lengthy and cumbersome, and the system may not operate as expected due to insufficient resources or inefficient configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a virtual representation of the laboratory automation system before physical implementation. The system models the entire automation workflow, identifies resource requirements, and detects potential bottlenecks in the design phase, allowing corrections to be made virtually before costly physical reconfigurations are needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or virtual model of the laboratory automation system that mirrors the physical system's structure and operations. This virtual representation allows for simulation and optimization without affecting the actual physical system, enabling repeated testing and refinement of different configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to meet specific user requirements and constraints, then the system can be optimized for user needs, but the design process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laboratory automation system into discrete modular components that can be independently configured and simulated. This modular approach allows users to customize specific portions of the system while keeping the overall design process manageable through systematic breakdown of complex requirements into smaller, simulatable units
3Productivity
If more resources such as aliquoters or decappers are added to the system, then processing capacity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using virtual simulation to test different resource configurations without physically implementing all possible variations. The system identifies the minimum necessary resources required to meet processing targets, avoiding the complexity and cost of over-provisioning while ensuring adequate capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a laboratory automation system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a plurality of subgraphs that correspond to a plurality of system blocks. The system blocks are chosen and the subgraphs are stitched together to form a site graph for the laboratory automation system.