Robotic Bead Collector for Selective Oligonucleotide Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bead handling systems require customers to purchase minimum quantities of plates, leading to inefficiencies in cost and time due to variable bead concentrations and storage formats, which can result in inconsistent oligonucleotide concentrations when used.
Innovation Solution
A robotic bead collector and release assembly that can selectively retrieve and dispense variable quantities of support beads from storage wells into desired receptacles, allowing for precise control over bead types and concentrations, using positioning motors and sensors to ensure uniform oligonucleotide distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If beads are stored in capsules with pre-loaded fixed quantities, then storage and retrieval are simplified, but customers are forced to purchase minimum quantities leading to inefficiency in cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the bead storage into individual wells containing single beads rather than pre-loaded capsules with fixed quantities. This allows the robotic handler to retrieve exactly the number of beads needed from multiple wells, eliminating the minimum purchase requirement while maintaining simple automated retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static pre-loaded capsules with fixed bead quantities to a dynamic well-based storage system where the number of beads retrieved can be flexibly adjusted based on customer needs. The robotic handler dynamically selects and retrieves the precise number of beads required, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple capsules are retrieved to fulfill orders, then sufficient bead quantities can be obtained, but retrieval time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting bead storage into individual wells with single beads, the system enables precise retrieval of the exact number of beads needed in a single operation. This eliminates the need to retrieve and combine multiple capsules, significantly reducing retrieval time while obtaining the required total bead quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic handler with vision guidance replaces the mechanical capsule retrieval and combination process with an automated well-based picking system. This substitution enables direct retrieval of the precise number of beads needed, reducing retrieval time and operational complexity.
3Productivity
If beads are dispensed at fixed rates, then dispensing process is simplified, but oligonucleotide concentration varies leading to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates vision guidance and bead counting feedback mechanisms that monitor and verify the number of beads dispensed. This feedback ensures that the precise number of beads with consistent oligonucleotide content is transferred to each destination, maintaining concentration uniformity while preserving dispensing productivity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces fixed-rate mechanical dispensing with an automated robotic handler that uses vision guidance to count and place individual beads. This substitution enables precise control over the number of beads dispensed, ensuring consistent oligonucleotide concentration while maintaining high productivity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that can include a storage and retrieval robot operating under program control to extract a selective number of support beads from a storage or retainment region, for dispensing to titer wells or other vessels for assays and other purposes. According to various embodiments, the storage and retrieval robot can position a capture device over any one or more storage wells containing oligonucleotide or other material support beads, and withdraw or extract those support beads into a collection tube under vacuum pressure or other force. According to various embodiments, a selected number of support beads can be extracted, using a linear motor piston to limit available space for support bead insertion. According to various embodiments, the collected support beads can be dispensed into one or more destination tubes, wells, or other containers, surfaces, vessels, receptacles or mixture containment region, for use in assays or other purposes. According to various embodiments, a calculated plurality of support beads can be extracted or mixed in selective quantities. According to various embodiments, a sample subset of the supply support beads can be taken, to calculate an amount of actual oligonucleotide contained in the support beads. According to various embodiments, an adjustment or normalization of the number of support beads dispensed can be performed to compensate for variations in oligonucleotide amount, thereby enhancing the uniformity of concentration in solution.