Multiple Slot Carrier for In-Vitro Diagnostics Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lab automation systems experience sample handling queues due to the time required for discrete place and pick operations, where carriers must wait for the place and pick device to transport samples between stations, leading to increased latency and potential sample degradation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multiple slot carrier system with onboard sensors and a controller that allows for combined place and pick operations, enabling simultaneous handling of multiple fluid containers and reducing wait times by maintaining an empty slot for immediate use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discrete place and pick operations are used, then sample handling is performed, but carriers must wait in queues increasing latency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the place and pick device place a first fluid container into an empty slot before removing the second fluid container from the occupied slot. This sequencing allows the carrier to maintain continuous occupancy and eliminates idle wait time between operations, directly resolving the technical contradiction by reducing carrier queue waiting while maintaining handling throughput.
2Loss of time
If combined place and pick operations are used, then carrier wait time is reduced, but slot occupancy must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is segmented into multiple slots, allowing independent management of slot occupancy states. The controller tracks which slots are occupied and which are empty, enabling the place and pick device to perform operations on specific slots without affecting others. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing the granular control needed to maintain occupancy while performing combined operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect slot occupancy states and provides feedback to the controller, which then directs the place and pick device accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the system maintains proper slot occupancy management while performing combined operations, resolving the technical contradiction by automating the complexity management through real-time monitoring and control.
3Productivity
If multiple slot carriers are used, then handling efficiency is improved, but carrier design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-slot carrier design makes the carrier universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: transporting multiple fluid containers simultaneously, maintaining continuous occupancy during place and pick operations, and interfacing with the place and pick device through standardized slots. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by justifying the increased structural complexity through significant gains in handling efficiency and operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system for use with in-vitro diagnostics includes a plurality of fluid containers configured to hold one or more fluids. The system includes a plurality of carriers having a plurality of slots configured to hold one of the plurality of fluid containers. The system also includes a place and pick device configured to place the plurality of fluid containers into the plurality of slots and remove the plurality of fluid containers from the plurality of slots. The system further includes a controller configured to control the place and pick device to place a first fluid container into an empty slot of a carrier of the plurality of carriers while a second fluid container is in an occupied slot and control the place and pick device to subsequently remove the second fluid container from the occupied slot of the carrier.