Multiple lane extraction drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated clinical analyzers and pre-analytical systems require significant technician involvement, are prone to errors, and lack seamless integration, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A two lane drawer assembly with an extractor module that applies a magnetic field to extraction containers, allowing simultaneous processing of samples, and a modular system that integrates with analyzers for automated sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated analyzers and pre-analytical systems are used, then sample processing efficiency is improved, but technician involvement is still required for manual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-analytical system and the analyzer into a single integrated system, allowing seamless automation of sample preparation and analysis without requiring technician intervention between the two processes. The drawer assembly serves as a shared interface that both systems can access automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer assembly is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can be accessed by both the pre-analytical system and the analyzer, and can accommodate different types of containers (primary and secondary). This multi-functionality enables full automation across different operational stages.
2Device complexity
If pre-analytical systems and analyzers operate independently, then system complexity is reduced, but integration and seamless automation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent modules (pre-analytical system, analyzer, and drawer assembly) that communicate through standardized interfaces. The drawer assembly acts as an independent but interoperable component, allowing each system to maintain its own complexity level while achieving seamless integration through the shared drawer interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If samples are prepared and analyzed at different rates, then processing flexibility is improved, but batch accumulation and transfer timing become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-analytical system performs preliminary sample preparation actions and places prepared samples in the drawer assembly in advance. This allows the analyzer to retrieve samples at its own pace without requiring batch accumulation, as samples are individually staged and ready for immediate analysis when needed.
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
Reduces technician involvement, minimizes errors, and enhances integration between pre-analytical systems and analyzers, improving sample processing efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
the extractor module comprises magnets configured to apply a magnetic field to extraction container holders of the two extraction container holders
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer can include a drawer assembly. The drawer assembly can include a two lane drawer comprising a pipette tip station configured to house two pipette tip holders, an extraction container station configured to house two extraction container holders, and an amplification plate station configured to house two amplification plates. The drawer assembly can include an extractor module positioned relative to the extraction container station, wherein the extractor module comprises magnets configured to apply a magnetic field to extraction container holders of the two extraction container holders.