Laboratory Configuration Control for Error-Free Sample Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

User errors during parameter input in laboratory devices lead to reduced quality of results and productivity in laboratory settings, as these devices often require manual configuration of hardware and software settings for efficient treatment of laboratory samples.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory device with configuration control and a method for user-dependent configuration, allowing for automated setup of device parameters and user interface customization based on user roles, reducing manual input errors and enhancing productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of device parameters is implemented, then device setup flexibility is improved, but user input errors increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice setup flexibilityVSAvoidinput error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores pre-configured device parameter settings in a database, prepared in advance for different user roles and experiment types. When a user logs in, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-configured parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration and preventing user input errors while maintaining setup flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic configuration of device parameters without requiring manual user input. The configuration control unit autonomously retrieves stored settings and configures the device based on user role and experiment type, making the system self-sufficient in the configuration task and eliminating human error sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual configuration of device parameters is implemented, then device setup flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice setup flexibilityVSAvoidlaboratory throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Device parameter configurations are pre-prepared and stored in the database for various user roles and experiment types. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual configuration process during actual use, significantly improving laboratory throughput while maintaining the ability to adapt to different experimental requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic configuration system performs parameter setup without requiring user time and effort, freeing users to focus on higher-value tasks. This automation directly increases productivity by eliminating repetitive manual configuration work while preserving setup flexibility through pre-configured options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If automated parameter configuration is implemented, then input errors are reduced and productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput error rateVSAvoidconfiguration control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A configuration control unit serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex device parameters. This intermediary component handles the automatic retrieval and application of pre-configured parameters from the database, shielding users from complexity while enabling automated configuration. The intermediary manages the complexity internally without exposing it to users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses stored copies of pre-configured parameter sets for different user roles and experiment types. Instead of requiring users to understand or manually configure complex parameters, the system copies and applies proven configurations from the database, reducing errors and simplifying the user interface while managing device complexity through standardized templates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2857841B1Laboratory device for the device-controlled treatment of at least one laboratory sample, and a method for the configuration of the laboratory device by means of the configuration control
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 EPPENDORF AG
  • EP2857841B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2857841B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2857841B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a configuration control for a laboratory device, a laboratory device with the configuration control for device-controlled treatment of at least one laboratory sample, and a method for configuring the laboratory device using the configuration control. The use of user-dependent configuration data means that the user no longer has to carry out the configuration of the laboratory device manually, which is effected by the user-dependent configuration data.