Rear Accessible Pipetting Mechanism for Diagnostic Analyzer Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated diagnostic analyzers face inefficiencies due to limited pipetting mechanism access, requiring samples and reagents to be positioned in specific locations, leading to increased time delays and footprint issues, which restricts laboratory layout and throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a rear accessible pipetting mechanism with independent carrier shuttles allows for simultaneous aspiration and dispensing of samples and reagents, enabling side-by-side analyzer alignment and increased throughput by utilizing a laboratory automation system track at the rear of the analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple carousels and pipetting mechanisms are arranged in traditional configurations, then diagnostic testing capability is provided, but time delays occur between aspirations and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pipetting mechanism at the rear of the analyzer rather than the traditional front or side configuration. This spatial repositioning allows carrier shuttles to access carriers from the rear, enabling simultaneous aspiration and dispensing operations without interfering with front loading bay operations, thereby reducing time delays and increasing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions carriers on independent carrier shuttles before they are needed for aspiration. The rear accessible configuration allows carriers to be prepared and positioned in advance on the shuttles, which then automatically transport them to the pipetting mechanism, eliminating waiting time between operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If pipetting mechanism access is limited to specific locations, then sample processing is enabled, but laboratory layout flexibility is restricted and footprint issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the pipetting mechanism to the rear of the analyzer, the patent creates a three-dimensional utilization of space that allows front loading bay and rear pipetting operations to occur simultaneously without spatial conflict. This enables more compact footprints and greater flexibility in laboratory arrangement, as multiple analyzers can be positioned closer together or configured in different layouts without interfering with operator access or sample processing
3Productivity
If carriers are transported sequentially to the pipetting mechanism, then sample processing is performed, but time delays increase and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The independent carrier shuttles pre-position multiple carriers at the rear of the analyzer before processing begins. This allows the pipetting mechanism to continuously aspirate from one carrier while the shuttles simultaneously transport the next carrier into position, eliminating idle time between aspirations and increasing overall processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The rear accessible configuration with independent carrier shuttles enables continuous operation where the pipetting mechanism never waits for carrier transport. While aspiration and dispensing occur continuously, the shuttles simultaneously and independently transport carriers, ensuring that the useful action of sample processing continues without interruption
Data Source
AI summary
Example apparatus and methods related to automated diagnostic analyzers having rear accessible track systems are described herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes an analyzer to perform a diagnostic test. The analyzer has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The example apparatus includes a loading bay disposed on the first side of the analyzer to receive a first carrier and a pipetting mechanism coupled to the analyzer adjacent the second side. The example apparatus also includes a first carrier shuttle to transport the first carrier from a first location adjacent the loading bay to a second location adjacent the pipetting mechanism and a track disposed adjacent the second side of the analyzer to transfer a second carrier to a third location adjacent the pipetting mechanism.