Automated Reagent Delivery and Waste Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-throughput sample processing systems face challenges with space constraints on laboratory workbenches due to the need for large liquid reagent reservoirs and waste containers, leading to manual refilling and emptying risks and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A reagent trough with integrated high-level and low-level liquid sensors, connected to a pump system, which automatically refills and drains reagents, and a waste management system that efficiently processes and removes liquid waste, reducing manual intervention and minimizing exposure to hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large liquid reagent reservoirs and waste containers are placed on the laboratory workbench to support high-throughput sample processing, then the system can process large volumes of samples, but the workbench space becomes crowded and requires manual refilling and emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves large reagent reservoirs and waste containers from the horizontal workbench plane to the vertical dimension by positioning them in overhead cabinets and below-workbench spaces. This dimensional transition frees up valuable workbench surface area while maintaining the capacity to support high-throughput processing of large numbers of samples
2Area of stationary object
If manual refilling and emptying of reagent reservoirs and waste containers is performed, then space constraints are addressed, but workers are exposed to spills, biological contamination, and hazardous chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated liquid transfer system with pumps, hoses, and control mechanisms that automatically refill reagent reservoirs from bulk storage containers and automatically empty waste containers into collection vessels. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual handling of hazardous liquids, protecting workers from spills, contamination, and chemical exposure while managing liquid waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated pump systems and transfer mechanisms as intermediaries between bulk reagent storage and the processing system, and between waste containers and collection vessels. These intermediary devices handle the hazardous liquid transfer operations, shielding workers from direct exposure to dangerous chemicals and biological materials
3Ease of operation
If workers manually handle reagent reservoirs and waste containers, then refilling and emptying can be performed, but the risk of spills and biological contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs refilling and emptying operations without human intervention, using pumps and transfer mechanisms to move liquids safely. This eliminates the manual handling steps that create opportunities for spills and contamination, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor liquid levels in reagent reservoirs and waste containers, automatically triggering refill or emptying operations when thresholds are reached. This feedback-controlled automation ensures operations occur only when needed and reduces the window of opportunity for human error or accidental spills
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 ensures continuous operation of high-throughput sample processing by maintaining a continuous reagent supply and efficiently managing waste, thereby reducing the risk of spills, contamination, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
the high-level liquid sensor is a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
the high-level liquid sensor is a conductive sensor
Implementation Method 3
the low-level liquid sensor is a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 4
the low-level liquid sensor is a conductive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Reagent delivery systems, which can include a reagent trough and a pump system, are useful for delivering liquids to a laboratory workbench. Processing samples on the laboratory workbench can result in a large amount of liquid waste. Described herein are reagent troughs, pump systems, reagent delivery systems, waste management systems, and methods of using the same.