Laboratory Positioning Device for Fluid Sample Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual distribution of fluid samples in laboratories often results in errors due to the difficulty in recognizing filled and unfilled sample wells, particularly with transparent or low-contrast liquids, leading to issues with throughput and reproducibility in microbiology and biochemistry screening processes.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device for laboratory apparatuses that allows stepwise movement of sample transport and holder components relative to each other, enabling automatic positioning changes through a coupling mechanism, reducing the need for user intervention and minimizing errors by ensuring precise and reproducible sample placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual distribution of samples is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and reliability deteriorate due to user errors and difficulty in recognizing filled wells
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects whether a sample well has been filled by analyzing optical properties (absorbance, fluorescence, or colorimetric changes) and prevents refilling of already-filled wells. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user memory and manual tracking, thereby improving productivity and reliability without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying the status of each sample well (filled or empty) through optical detection. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the distribution process, preventing errors and improving throughput by eliminating the need for users to manually track filling status.
2Device complexity
If manual distribution of samples is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to user errors in tracking filled wells
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects whether a sample well has been filled by analyzing optical properties (absorbance, fluorescence, or colorimetric changes) and prevents refilling of already-filled wells. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user memory and manual tracking, thereby improving productivity and reliability without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying the status of each sample well (filled or empty) through optical detection. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the distribution process, preventing errors and improving throughput by eliminating the need for users to manually track filling status.
3Productivity
If fully automatic pipetting machines with sensors and motors are used, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user by displaying the status of each sample well (filled or empty) through optical detection. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the distribution process, preventing errors and improving throughput by eliminating the need for users to manually track filling status.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary optical detection mechanism (absorbance, fluorescence, or colorimetric sensors) to indirectly determine the filling status of sample wells, rather than requiring direct mechanical or electronic sensors in each well. This intermediary approach improves reliability while keeping device complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a positioning device for a laboratory apparatus for distributing fluid samples comprising: a base member, a first part at which a transport device can be arranged, the first part arranged at the base member for carrying out at least one operation movement, a second part arranged at the base member at which a sample container holder can be arranged, the first and second parts movable relative to one another for carrying out positioning movements and adapted to be arranged in relative positions, a coupling device for coupling the operation and positioning movements, set up such that the relative positions of the first and second parts can be stepwise changed by way of repeatedly performing the operation movement; and to a method for automatically positioning a first part relative to a second part and to a laboratory apparatus comprising such a positioning device.