Sample Receptacle Transport With Spring-Finger Puck Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face challenges in automating sample transport and processing to increase throughput, address medical technologist shortages, and reduce errors in sample delivery to multiple instruments.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle delivery system featuring a puck with fingers biased by springs, a synchronization disc, and a retaining ring, along with a carriage that moves between locations, ensuring precise and automated delivery and fluid extraction using optical sensing and clamping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport receptacles between instruments, then sample throughput and processing consistency are improved, but the complexity of the transport system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into modular components: individual carriages for each receptacle, separate pickup and delivery stations, and independent conveyor sections. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high throughput while managing complexity through standardized, replaceable modules rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system and carriages are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow the same hardware to serve multiple instruments and handle different receptacle types. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized transport mechanisms for each instrument-receptacle combination.
2Reliability
If automated receptacle delivery is implemented, then delivery accuracy and error reduction are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical sensors are integrated into the pickup and delivery stations to detect receptacle presence, verify correct positioning, and confirm successful transfer. This feedback mechanism ensures high delivery accuracy by providing real-time verification without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems, as the optical detection guides the simpler mechanical actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The puck mechanism automatically grasps and releases receptacles through spring-loaded fingers that self-engage with the receptacle geometry. This self-service mechanism achieves reliable delivery through the inherent mechanical interaction between the puck fingers and receptacle shape, eliminating the need for complex controlled grasping systems.
3Reliability
If spring-loaded fingers are used to hold receptacles, then receptacle securing and prevention of premature release are improved, but the risk of accidental release during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded fingers are pre-biased in a closed position that actively engages with the receptacle geometry before transport begins. This preliminary engagement creates a mechanical interlock that prevents accidental release during vibration or movement, as the springs maintain constant securing force throughout the transport cycle rather than relying on passive positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides dynamic adaptation to slight variations in receptacle positioning or dimensional tolerances. The springs automatically adjust their engagement force to maintain secure holding while accommodating normal transport vibrations, preventing both premature release and damage from excessive clamping force.
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
Enables efficient, automated, and error-reduced delivery of receptacles to instruments, enhancing throughput and consistency in laboratory operations.
Implementation Method 1
one or more springs coupling the plurality of fingers and thereby biasing the plurality of fingers toward the vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a fluid to an instrument comprises supporting a sample receptacle on a first carrier, transporting the first carrier on a conveyor adjacent a plurality of modules including at least one instrument, stopping the first carrier at the instrument, transporting the sample receptacle to a pick-up position of the instrument, transporting the sample receptacle from the pick-up position to a pipetting station within the instrument, aspirating fluid within the sample receptacle and transferring the aspirated fluid to a reaction receptacle, after aspirating fluid from the sample receptacle, transporting the sample receptacle to the pick-up position, transporting the sample receptacle from the pick-up position to a second carrier the conveyor, in the instrument, performing an assay to determine the presence or absence of an analyte in the aspirated fluid, and transporting the second carrier on the conveyor to one or more of the plurality of modules other than the analytical instrument.