Repositionable Pipetting Module for Flexible Analyzer Sample Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated analyzers face inefficiencies and increased costs when additional components are installed for transferring samples from an external track to reaction vessels, leading to reduced throughput speed and difficulty in switching between standalone and external configurations.
Innovation Solution
A sample handling arrangement with a pipetting module that can operate in two configurations: within the automated analyzer or externally, using a linear slide mounted at different positions to switch between modes without additional components, maintaining throughput capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components (conveying line, connectors, pipetting mechanism) are installed to transfer samples from external track to automated analyzer, then sample transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and operation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear slide is designed to serve dual purposes: it acts as a support structure for the pipetting module during internal sample transfer operations, and simultaneously functions as a linear conveyor when the pipetting module is detached, enabling external sample transfer operations. This eliminates the need for separate conveying mechanisms and maintains system simplicity while providing versatile sample transfer capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipetting module is designed to be self-contained with all necessary pipetting components (pipette, aspiration/dispense mechanisms). When detached from the linear slide, it can independently function as a linear conveyor by utilizing its own structural components, eliminating the need for additional conveying lines and connectors that would otherwise be required for external sample transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are installed for external sample transfer, then sample transfer capability is improved, but throughput speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear slide serves dual functions as both a support structure during internal operations and as a linear conveyor for external operations. By eliminating the need for separate conveying mechanisms, the system avoids the speed penalties associated with additional transfer steps, maintaining high throughput while enabling external sample transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying function is extracted from the pipetting module itself rather than being provided by separate conveying lines. The pipetting module's structural components are utilized to provide linear motion capability, eliminating intermediate transfer steps and associated time delays, thereby maintaining high throughput speed while enabling external sample transfer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are installed for external configuration, then external sample transfer is enabled, but switching between configurations becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: the pipetting module can be independently detached from the linear slide. This segmentation allows the pipetting module to be quickly removed and reattached without requiring unloading or uninstallation of additional components, enabling rapid switching between internal and external configurations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration where additional components would be permanently installed to a dynamic configuration where the pipetting module can be easily attached and detached from the linear slide. This dynamic design allows rapid reconfiguration between internal and external modes without time-consuming uninstallation procedures, maintaining operational flexibility while preserving ease of use.
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 and cost-effective transfer of samples between internal and external tracks, reducing turnaround time and increasing throughput speed by allowing seamless configuration switching.
Implementation Method 1
a linear slide configured to be selectively mounted to a mount of the automated analyzer at a first position and a second position different from the first position
Implementation Method 2
a pipetting module configured to transfer at least the portion of the one or more patient samples to the at least one reaction vessel within the automated analyzer. The pipetting module is configured to travel along the linear slide
Implementation Method 3
a rack transfer module operatively coupled to the sample presentation unit and configured to transfer at least one rack of the plurality of racks from the sample presentation unit to the pipetting module within the automated analyzer
Implementation Method 4
a home sensor for sensing the presence or absence of the pipetting module at a home position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a sample handling arrangement (100, 100′, 100″) for transferring one or more patient samples or portions thereof from at least one sample tube (20) to at least one reaction vessel (22) within an automated analyzer (50, 50′). The sample handling arrangement (100, 100′, 100″) includes a sample presentation unit (102) associated with the automated analyzer (50) and configured to receive a plurality of racks (26) into the automated analyzer (50). Each of the plurality of racks (26) is configured to receive and hold the at least one sample tube (20). The sample handling arrangement (100, 100′, 100″) further includes a linear slide (114) configured to be selectively mounted to a mount of the automated analyzer (50) at a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) different from the first position (P2). The sample handling arrangement (100, 100′, 100″) further includes a pipetting module (112) configured to travel along the linear slide (114) and transfer the one or more patient samples or portions thereof to the at least one reaction vessel (22) within the automated analyzer (50, 50′).