Magnetic Sample Handling Device for Compact High-Throughput Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample handling systems in high-throughput diagnostics face challenges with sample identification and orientation, requiring dedicated and expensive setups with additional space for pressure elements and sensors, which limits their compactness and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A sample handling device utilizing a magnetic positioning system to hold and rotate carriers with vessels, allowing for magnetic force-driven orientation and identification without the need for additional space-consuming components, enabling efficient and cost-effective high-throughput sample handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure elements and sensors are added to ensure proper vessel orientation and identification, then sample handling reliability is improved, but device complexity and construction volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample handling reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure elements and sensors with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnets embedded in the rotor create magnetic forces that automatically orient vessels without requiring mechanical contact or additional sensing components, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical identifiers (such as barcodes or RFID tags) on vessels that can be read remotely by reading stations, eliminating the need for physical contact or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. The magnetic rotor creates a consistent orientation that ensures reliable reading without requiring additional pressure elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If pressure elements and additional components are installed for vessel orientation, then sample identification accuracy is improved, but construction volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample identification accuracyVSAvoidconstruction volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic positioning system replaces bulky mechanical pressure elements with compact magnets embedded in the rotor. The magnetic field extends through space to orient vessels without requiring physical contact, significantly reducing the construction volume while maintaining identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotor serves multiple functions: it transports vessels, orients them correctly for identification, and holds them in position. The magnetic field generated by the rotor simultaneously performs positioning and orientation tasks that would otherwise require separate components, reducing overall construction volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If movable or pivotable pressure elements are mounted with additional drives and sensors, then vessel positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel positioning reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field automatically exerts forces on ferromagnetic or magnetized vessels to orient them correctly. The system is self-regulating and does not require external drives or sensors to adjust pressure element positions, as the magnetic forces naturally guide vessels into the correct orientation without additional control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex movable mechanical pressure elements with stationary magnets in the rotor. The magnetic forces provide continuous positioning without requiring mechanical movement, pivoting, or additional drives, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic positioning system allows for reliable and high-throughput sample handling with reduced construction volume and costs, facilitating efficient sample identification and orientation within compact systems.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic positioning device can be configured to pull the carrier onto the rotors by magnetic force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10775396B2Sample handling device and method for sample handling

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A sample handling device is presented. The sample handling device comprises at least one magnetic positioning device for magnetically holding a carrier configured for carrying at least one vessel in the sample handling device. A sample identification device is also presented. The sample identification device comprises at least one of the above sample handling device and at least one reader for reading at least one identifier attached to the vessel carried by the carrier. A system for sample handling, a diagnostics device for identifying at least one property of a plurality of samples and a method for handling a sample are also presented.