Modular Lab Automation Track with Transverse Intersections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lab automation systems for in vitro diagnostics face inefficiencies and increased costs due to redundant hardware and complex workflows when transporting samples between independent modules, leading to reduced reliability and processing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An integrated automation system that allows modules to be linked with dedicated return lanes and transverse track portions, enabling efficient sample transport between modules with reduced hardware footprint, using intelligent carriers and onboard processing to optimize routing and motion profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are designed as fully independent standalone units, then design flexibility and standalone operation capability are improved, but hardware redundancy and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular analyzer modules that can operate independently or be connected. Each module contains its own sample handling capabilities, allowing standalone operation while enabling flexible system configuration through segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation track system is designed with universal interfaces and protocols that allow the same track infrastructure to serve multiple modules simultaneously. The track can function as both an internal distribution system for individual modules and as an inter-module transport system, eliminating redundant hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If redundant internal distribution systems are maintained in each module for standalone operation, then module independence is improved, but processing efficiency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration based on operational needs. Modules can switch between standalone mode with internal distribution systems and integrated mode where modules share the common automation track, allowing the system to optimize processing efficiency while maintaining independence when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation track serves as an intermediary infrastructure that connects modules while allowing them to maintain their own internal distribution systems. This mediator enables efficient inter-module sample transport without completely replacing individual module capabilities, thus maintaining both independence and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If samples are accessed from the automation track, then inter-module transport capability is improved, but processing speed and feature availability worsen compared to directly loaded samples
Solution Approach 1:
Samples are pre-positioned in carriers on the automation track at optimal locations before being needed by modules. The system anticipates sample requirements and prepares them in advance, reducing wait times and maintaining processing speed despite the additional transport step between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation track operates continuously to transport samples between modules, eliminating idle time and maintaining a steady flow of samples through the system. This continuous operation ensures that samples accessed from the track experience minimal delay, preserving processing speed while enabling inter-module transport.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
An integrated automation system for use in transporting samples between modules, the system can include a plurality of modules configured to be connected to one another for processing samples, each of the plurality of modules having an internal transport system. Each internal transport system includes one or more periphery track portions integrated within a respective module, each of the periphery track portions having two ends and one or more transverse track portions integrated within the respective module, the one or more transverse track portions intersecting at least one of the one or more periphery track portions. The internal transport systems can be configured to connect to one another via one end of the two ends connecting to one end of the two ends of adjacent periphery track portions, thereby forming a continuous periphery track running through and connecting the plurality of modules. Samples are transported along the continuous periphery track and the one or more transverse track portions. The continuous periphery track and the one or more transverse track portions form a plurality of paths along which the samples are transported.