Multiple-Lane Extraction Drawer and Heated Plate Sealer Automation
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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 modular system comprising a plate sealer and a two lane drawer assembly that automates sample preparation and analysis, including a heated press plate for sealing and a multifunctional robot for positioning, along with an extractor module using magnets to process samples simultaneously, reducing technician intervention and enhancing integration between pre-analytical systems and analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sample transfer and preparation is performed by technicians, then sample processing can be completed, but technician involvement increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the pre-analytical system automatically transfers samples between containers and the analyzer without technician intervention. The system self-manages the workflow from sample receipt through preparation to analysis, eliminating manual matching of identification codes and reducing human error while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pre-analytical system and analyzer into an integrated automated workflow. The pre-analytical system is directly connected to the analyzer, allowing seamless sample transfer and processing without manual intervention. This combination eliminates the need for technicians to manually transfer samples between systems while maintaining synchronized operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-analytical system and analyzer operate independently, then each system can function autonomously, but integration and seamless sample transfer are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-analytical system is designed with universal interfaces and protocols that enable it to work with multiple different analyzer types. The system can perform various functions including sample transfer, container matching, and coordination with different analyzer systems, making it adaptable to diverse laboratory configurations without requiring complex custom integration for each analyzer type.
3Productivity
If samples are prepared at different rates than analyzed, then flexibility in processing is maintained, but technician intervention is required to manage batch accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically managing the flow of samples between preparation and analysis at varying rates. When the analyzer is ready, samples are immediately transferred without accumulation. When the analyzer is busy, the pre-analytical system continues preparing samples without interruption. This continuous automated operation eliminates downtime and removes the need for technicians to manually manage batch accumulation while maximizing overall throughput.
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
The system minimizes technician involvement, reduces errors, and improves integration and automation, enabling high-throughput sample processing from receipt to result production.
Implementation Method 1
a heated press plate configured to apply heat and pressure to a seal material
Implementation Method 2
an extractor module configured to process samples from the two extraction container holders simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer can include a plate sealer and a drawer assembly. The plate sealer can include a heated press plate configured to apply heat and pressure to a seal material, wherein the seal material is configured to seal against a top surface of an amplification plate. The plate sealer can include a knife assembly configured to cut the seal material, wherein the heated press plate and the knife assembly are configured to be lowered simultaneously to cut and seal the seal material. 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.