Laboratory System Sample Distribution Optimization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current laboratory systems face inefficiencies in sample distribution and throughput due to rigid routing rules, lack of device communication, and manual sorting requirements, leading to potential errors and suboptimal resource utilization.

Innovation Solution

A method for optimizing sample distribution in a laboratory system involves a control unit that retrieves test requests, controls a transport system to convey samples, creates run instructions based on optimization criteria, and transmits these instructions to analyzers, optimizing sample processing and reducing user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid routing rules are used to route samples to specific devices, then device specialization and test compatibility are improved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate when devices perform poorly or have problems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice specializationVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The routing rules are made dynamic rather than static. The control unit continuously monitors device status and automatically adjusts routing decisions based on real-time performance data, allowing the system to adapt when devices perform poorly or have problems while maintaining specialization when devices are functioning optimally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where device performance is monitored and used to adjust sample routing. The control unit receives status information from devices and modifies routing decisions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that balances specialization with flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual sorting and grouping of samples is performed by users, then sample routing flexibility is improved, but human error and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically sorting and routing samples based on test requirements and device availability. The control unit independently makes routing decisions without requiring manual intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining routing flexibility through automated algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical sorting operations are replaced with automated electronic control. The control unit uses software algorithms to determine sample routing instead of manual physical sorting, reducing operational complexity while maintaining or improving routing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If samples are manually aliquoted into different containers before testing, then device compatibility is improved, but automation level and throughput deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions automatically by pre-configuring sample containers with the correct identifiers and routing information before samples arrive at the device. This eliminates the need for manual aliquoting while maintaining device compatibility through automated sample preparation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual aliquoting operations are replaced with automated liquid handling systems. The control unit coordinates automated pipetting operations that distribute samples to appropriate containers based on test requirements, maintaining automation level while improving throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If multi-head pipettors are used to add reagents to test plates, then reagent utilization efficiency is improved, but flexibility to exclude individual wells deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent utilizationVSAvoidwell exclusion flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts reagent addition patterns based on test requirements. When individual well exclusion is needed, the control unit modifies the pipetting sequence and timing to accommodate excluded wells while maintaining efficient reagent utilization through adaptive control of the multi-head pipettor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240168042A1Method for optimizing laboratory system

Publication Date: 2024.05.23 ROCHE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for optimizing sample distribution in a laboratory system, the method comprising: retrieving, at a control unit of the laboratory system, one or more test requests for each sample provided to the laboratory system; controlling, by the control unit, a transport system of the laboratory system to convey the provided samples to one or more sample buffer units; creating, by the control unit, run instructions to run one or more requested tests on selected samples on a test plate based on optimization criteria; transmitting, by the control unit, the run instructions to an analyzer of the laboratory system; and controlling, by the control unit, the transport system to convey the selected samples for which one or more requested tests shall be executed from a sample buffer unit to the analyzer.