Automated Laboratory Transport Unit for Sterile Vessel Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sampling and addition processes in reaction vessels, such as bioreactors, are prone to human error, inconsistency, and contamination, leading to inaccuracies and increased costs due to the need for continuous skilled labor and sterility concerns.
Innovation Solution
An automated transport unit that can perform sampling and addition tasks with high accuracy and sterility, equipped with a pump or syringe for material transfer, temperature-controlled storage, analyzing devices, and a treatment apparatus, capable of operating 24/7 without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sampling and analysis is performed by human operators, then versatility and adaptability are maintained, but human error and inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transport unit performs sampling, transport, and analysis functions autonomously without requiring human operators. The system self-navigates to reaction vessels, self-performs sampling operations, and self-transports samples to analysis locations, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining consistent operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations by human operators are replaced with an automated robotic system equipped with sampling devices, transport mechanisms, and integrated analysis capabilities. This substitution eliminates the inconsistency of manual operations while preserving the versatility needed for different sampling scenarios
2Reliability
If human operators perform sampling tasks, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Human operators are completely extracted from the sampling and transport process. The automated transport unit independently performs all operations including navigating to reaction vessels, performing sampling, transporting samples, and delivering them to analysis locations, thereby eliminating the contamination risk introduced by human presence in sterile environments
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transport unit serves as an intermediary between reaction vessels and analysis equipment. It performs all intermediate functions of sample collection, transport, and delivery without requiring human intervention, thereby maintaining sterility while managing system complexity through integrated automation
3Productivity
If continuous sampling is performed to meet 24/7 process requirements, then sampling coverage is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transport unit operates continuously without interruption to perform sampling, transport, and analysis functions. The system maintains uninterrupted operation by automatically navigating between reaction vessels and analysis locations, performing sampling tasks, and delivering samples without requiring human intervention or休息 periods, thereby achieving continuous sampling coverage while simplifying operational management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all sampling and transport operations autonomously on a continuous basis. The automated transport unit self-manages its operations including navigation, sampling execution, and sample delivery without requiring human operators to be present during continuous operation, thereby maintaining high sampling frequency while reducing operational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automated transport unit significantly reduces human error, maintains sterility, and operates continuously at no additional cost, ensuring accurate and consistent sampling and addition processes while minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The automated transport unit further comprises a material transfer device for removing material from a fluid storage vessel and/or adding material into a fluid storage vessel
Implementation Method 2
The storage compartment further comprises a temperature controlled area configured to store material during transit. This helps maintain the material in a state suitable for transport as degradation is minimised if the sample is kept at a lower temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is an automated transport unit for use in a laboratory environment the automated transport unit comprising a drive mechanism for moving the automated transport unit, a control system for controlling operation of the automated transport unit, a power supply for powering the automated transport unit, and a storage compartment configured to hold a material obtained from a fluid storage vessel and/or to be delivered to a fluid storage vessel. Also described is a system comprising an automated transport unit and a fluid storage vessel.