Automated Reagent Mixing Vial for Biological Staining Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing and dispensing fluids in automated biological reaction apparatuses result in wastage and variability due to the short shelf life of reagents and the need for manual preparation, which complicates scheduling and ensures reagents are not fresh when required.
Innovation Solution
An automated method and apparatus that ascertains the need for a blended reagent, prepares it just before application by mixing components using a robotic arm and dispenser, and schedules this preparation to ensure freshness and minimize processing time, using a mixing vial system with identification means and a controlling computer to manage reagent batches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reagents are prepared manually as required, then reagent freshness is maintained, but processing time increases and scheduling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares blended reagents in advance by scheduling their creation before they are needed for slide processing. The controller determines which blended reagents will be required and schedules their preparation during periods when the robotic arm is otherwise available, ensuring freshness while optimizing processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system manages its own reagent preparation scheduling without manual intervention. The controller automatically tracks reagent usage, determines when blended reagents need to be prepared, and schedules these preparation tasks independently, eliminating the need for manual scheduling while maintaining reagent freshness
2Productivity
If reagents are prepared in advance, then processing time is reduced, but reagent freshness is compromised due to short shelf life
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically schedules reagent preparation based on real-time requirements. Rather than preparing all reagents at fixed intervals or in advance, the controller continuously monitors which blended reagents are needed and schedules their preparation optimally - as early as possible without compromising freshness, and as late as possible to maintain productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from tracking reagent usage and shelf-life requirements to adjust preparation schedules. The controller monitors when reagents are consumed and when new blended reagents need to be created, using this information to optimize the timing of preparation tasks to balance freshness requirements with processing throughput
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual reagent preparation is used, then flexibility in reagent composition is maintained, but human error and variability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical preparation with an automated robotic arm and dispenser system. The robotic arm precisely positions the dispenser, and the controller automatically determines the correct volumes and sequences for mixing reagent components, eliminating human variability while maintaining the ability to create custom blended reagent compositions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the reagent components and the final blended product. It calculates the precise proportions needed for each blend, tracks which components go into which mixes, and coordinates the robotic arm's actions to ensure consistent, reproducible preparation while allowing for customized reagent formulations
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 approach reduces reagent wastage, ensures freshness, and minimizes processing time by automating the preparation and scheduling of blended reagents, providing consistent and uniform application, reducing human error and variability in test results.
Implementation Method 1
The mixing is accomplished by dispensing the components of the reagent into the mixing vial, withdrawing fluid from the mixing vial, and re-dispensing the fluid into the mixing vial to promote mixing of the components of the reagent.
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing vial is provided for an automated biological reaction apparatus typically used for staining tissue samples in Immuno-histological and in-situ hybridisation reactions. The mixing vial allows reagents placed on the apparatus to be mixed together to form additional or blended reagents. A reagent dispenser mounted on a robotic arm withdraws reagent from the reagent containers and deposits it into one of the mixing vials. Several reagents can be deposited into each vial. Mixing is undertaken by withdrawing the reagents in a vial and re-dispensing the reagent back into the vial. Mixing may take place between the operation of other tasks performed by the apparatus, and a scheduler is used to ensure blended reagent is provided before it is required in one of the processes undertaken on the apparatus. The apparatus is able to automatically identify which blended reagents are required and when they must be applied to provide an appropriate schedule that minimises time taken to stain samples.