Probe Tip Waste Chute Vertical Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated diagnostic analysis apparatus face issues with probe tip removal, leading to residual bio-liquid shearing and splattering, which contaminates the probe, causes clogging, and results in jammed probe tips within the waste chute, necessitating manual cleaning and shutdowns.

Innovation Solution

A probe tip eject device with an inclined ramp and a waste chute assembly that transfers removed probe tips vertically into a waste bin, eliminating sudden pressure spikes and surface contact, thereby reducing bio-liquid shearing and splattering, and preventing jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated probe tip removal is implemented, then productivity is improved, but residual bio-liquid shearing and splattering occurs causing contamination and clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample analysis throughputVSAvoidbio-liquid contamination and clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A waste chute assembly with guide rails acts as an intermediary mechanism between the probe tip ejection point and the waste bin. The guide rails provide a controlled pathway that directs probe tips vertically downward, preventing uncontrolled movement and bio-liquid splatter while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The waste chute assembly is positioned and configured to receive probe tips in a controlled manner before they are fully ejected. The guide rails and chute structure provide a pre-established pathway that cushions and directs the probe tip movement, preventing sudden pressure spikes and bio-liquid shearing at the moment of ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If probe tips are removed and disposed automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but probe tips become jammed in the waste chute requiring manual cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated probe tip disposalVSAvoidmanual cleaning requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The waste chute assembly is designed with guide rails that maintain a consistent vertical orientation for probe tip movement. By keeping the probe tips in a substantially upright position throughout the disposal process, the system creates an equipotential pathway that prevents jamming and ensures smooth automated operation without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The waste chute assembly with its guide rail system enables probe tips to self-direct into the waste bin through gravity and controlled guidance. The design allows probe tips to move automatically without external intervention or manual cleaning, as the vertical orientation prevents contamination buildup on internal surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If probe tips are transferred horizontally into waste bin, then device complexity is reduced, but internal surfaces become contaminated requiring shutdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste chute configurationVSAvoidwaste chute surface contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from horizontal probe tip transfer to vertical transfer by utilizing the vertical dimension. The waste chute assembly directs probe tips downward in a substantially upright position into the waste bin, eliminating contact with internal chute surfaces and preventing contamination while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution allows for controlled probe tip removal without sudden pressure spikes, minimizing contamination and clogging, and eliminates the need for manual cleaning, enhancing sample analysis throughput by maintaining the probe and waste chute surfaces clean.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of guide rails sloped downward from the guide plate and configured to transfer the removed probe tip in the substantially upright position into the waste bin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3720608B1Probe tip waste chutes and methods thereof for automated diagnostic analysis apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.07.12 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Automated diagnostic analysis apparatus for analyzing patient specimens may include a probe to aspirate and dispense a bio-liquid. A probe tip on the probe may require replacement after contact with each bio-liquid. The automated diagnostic analysis apparatus may include a probe tip eject device and a waste chute for controlled removal and disposal of the probe tip to mitigate splattering or splashing of any residual bio-liquid in the probe tip as it is removed from the probe. A sloped ramp in the probe tip eject device may engage and remove the probe tip as it rotates through the probe tip eject device. The waste chute may include guides to transfer a removed probe tip directly into a waste bin without any surface contact by the probe tip. Methods of removing and disposing of a probe tip in an automated diagnostic analysis apparatus are described, as are other aspects.