Automated Microscopic Sample Transfer via Laser Isolation and Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for the automated isolation and transfer of microscopic samples from sample carriers lack full automation, control, and reliability, particularly in high-throughput analysis, leading to potential sample damage and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device and method featuring a selection device, controllable isolation device, and transfer device with carrier means, along with a control unit for automated and defined sample selection, isolation, and transfer to a collection system, ensuring precise and contamination-free handling through optical control and vacuum suction systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual methods are used for sample isolation and transfer, then device complexity is reduced, but automation extent and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated device is divided into distinct functional modules: a selection device for identifying samples, an isolation device for separating selected samples, and a transfer device for moving isolated samples to collection systems. Each module operates independently but coordinates through a control unit, allowing automation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single automated system that can perform sample selection, isolation, and transfer operations. The control unit coordinates these diverse functions, enabling the system to handle various sample types and transfer protocols through a unified automated platform.
2Productivity
If automated transfer methods are used, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential sample damage
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device replaces direct mechanical contact with optical and pneumatic fields. A laser beam identifies and guides sample selection, while a pneumatic suction field captures and transports isolated samples without physical touching. This substitution of mechanical systems with field-based systems enables high-speed automated transfer while preserving sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic suction field acts as an intermediary between the isolation device and the collection system. Instead of direct mechanical transfer that could damage microscopic samples, the pneumatic field gently captures and transports samples through the air, minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining sample reliability during high-throughput operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contact-free laser manipulation is used, then sample contamination is reduced, but isolation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two laser functions into a single integrated laser source: a low-power laser for contact-free manipulation and identification of samples, and a high-power laser for precise isolation by melting the carrier membrane. This combination maintains contamination-free operation while achieving high isolation precision through coordinated use of both laser modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system dynamically changes its power parameters to achieve different functions. A first low-power setting enables contact-free manipulation and optical identification without contamination, while a second high-power setting provides precise isolation by locally melting the carrier membrane. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain both contamination-free operation and high isolation precision.
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
Enables fully automated, high-throughput, and reliable sample transfer with defined picking up, transfer, and deposition, minimizing sample damage and ensuring contamination-free processes for downstream analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The cells to be isolated are thermally removed from the tissue by locally melting the film
Implementation Method 2
a pulsed UV laser with power peaks of a few watts is directed at the tissue region to be isolated
Implementation Method 3
a suction device (8) for picking up the isolated sample from the sample carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for the automated isolation and transfer of at least one microscopic sample from a sample carrier (4) to a collecting system (11) for subsequent automatic analysis, having: a selection unit (2) for selecting at least one sample located on the sample carrier (4); a controllable isolation unit (6) for the automated isolation of the at least one selected sample; a controllable transfer unit (7) which has carrier means for the defined picking up and putting down of the at least one selected isolated sample for the automated and defined transfer of the at least one selected isolated sample from the sample carrier (4) to the collecting system (11); and a control unit which has a data link to the selection unit (2), the isolation unit (6) and the transfer unit (7) for an automated isolation and transfer operation.