Movable Analysis Unit for Flexible Laboratory Sample Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated laboratory apparatuses lack flexibility, particularly in the movement and analysis of samples, limiting their ability to perform multiple processing steps efficiently and effectively, especially in biochemistry applications where precise handling of biomolecules is required.
Innovation Solution
An automated laboratory apparatus with a movable treatment chamber, integrated wireless analysis units, and a charging station, allowing the analysis unit to be moved freely within the chamber for flexible sample processing and analysis, including fluorescence spectroscopy, without the need for a permanent power connection, and incorporating a pipetting device for fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional automated laboratory apparatuses use stationary detection devices, then sample analysis can be performed, but the flexibility of the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is made movable instead of stationary, allowing it to be positioned at different locations within the treatment chamber. The movement device enables the detection device to dynamically adjust its position to analyze samples at various processing stages, thereby improving system flexibility without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is separated from the stationary structure and made as an independent, movable component. This segmentation allows the detection function to be independently positioned and configured, enabling flexible sample analysis while maintaining modular system architecture
2Productivity
If multiple processing steps are performed on samples, then sample analysis capability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable detection device can be positioned to perform multiple different analysis functions at different locations within the treatment chamber. A single detection device serves multiple purposes by analyzing samples at various processing stages, thereby improving throughput without requiring proportionally more detection devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system is configured to perform preliminary analysis steps at designated locations within the treatment chamber before samples reach final processing stages. This allows multiple processing steps to be efficiently integrated into the workflow, improving overall productivity while maintaining organized system 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
This design enhances flexibility and efficiency in sample processing, enabling precise analysis and handling of biomolecules across multiple wells in microwell plates, improving throughput and reducing the complexity of setup, while allowing for wireless operation and easy retrofitting of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
luminescence spectroscopy is an important analytical method in which the emission light, which is generated based on a photon absorption of the biomolecules, is evaluated. For this purpose, fluorescent chemical groups can be attached to large biomolecules by a fluorescent labeling, which then serve as markers for this biomolecule.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated laboratory apparatus for processing a sample includes a treatment chamber for receiving the sample, a movement device arranged movably in at least one first spatial direction of the treatment chamber, an analysis unit arranged in the treatment chamber for analyzing the sample, which analysis unit can be received by the movement device and can be moved to the sample by the movement device, and an electronic control device which is signal-connected to the movement device and the analysis unit.