Modular Incubation Units for Automated Specimen Perfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional incubators lack the capability to provide simultaneous incubation and perfusion environments and are not modular, failing to accommodate varying specimen types and sizes, and they do not offer automated robotic workflows for specific incubation positions and times.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage unit with an enclosure, automated drawer assembly, control unit, and environmental control assembly that includes perfusion actuation platforms, allowing for fluid coupling of specimen holders to a media reservoir, and adjustable settings for temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations, along with a sample transfer apparatus for automated specimen handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional incubators are used to maintain controlled environment for specimens, then temperature and humidity control is achieved, but the system cannot provide simultaneous incubation and perfusion environments and lacks modularity for varying specimen types
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular storage units that can be independently configured and combined. Each storage unit contains separate drawers for different specimen types, and multiple storage units can be arranged in arrays to provide diverse incubation and perfusion environments simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity through structured modularity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage units are designed with universal interfaces and standardized configurations that allow the same hardware platform to serve multiple functions - incubation, perfusion, and storage - depending on how the modules are arranged and configured, enabling a single system to accommodate varying specimen types without proportionally increasing complexity
2Extent of automation
If manual handling of specimens is used in traditional incubators, then operation is simple, but automated robotic workflow for specific incubation positions and times is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated robotic workflows that can independently perform specimen handling, transfer, and placement operations based on pre-programmed protocols. The automated drawer assemblies and sample transfer apparatus enable the system to service itself without manual intervention for routine operations, achieving high-level automation while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized automated processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration storage units are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but flexibility to adjust to fit varying types of specimens and containers is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage units incorporate adjustable and reconfigurable components such as movable drawers, adjustable shelving, and reconfigurable drawer assemblies that allow the physical configuration to be dynamically changed to accommodate different specimen types and container sizes, providing flexibility without requiring completely different hardware for each application
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 flexible and automated storage and incubation/perfusion of specimens with customizable environments, accommodating various specimen types and sizes, and automating the workflow for precise control and handling.
Implementation Method 1
the environmental control assembly comprises a bubbler system for humidifying dry carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
an incubation liner configured for heating and/or insulating the enclosure
Implementation Method 3
an incubation liner configured for heating and/or insulating the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly for storing a plurality of specimens includes a frame, a plurality of modular storage units for perfusion and/or incubation of one or more specimens removably coupled to the frame, a sample transfer apparatus configured to retrieve a specimen holder from a chosen modular storage unit of the plurality of modular storage units, and a control unit communicatively coupled to the sample transfer apparatus. The control unit is configured to cause the sample transfer apparatus to retrieve a specimen from a modular storage unit of the plurality of modular storage units and deliver the specimen to a delivery position.