Robotic Particle Sampling for Low-Contamination Controlled Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sterile and aseptic environments, human interaction increases the risk of particulate and biological contamination, necessitating advanced robotic sampling and analysis systems to reduce contamination and meet stringent quality standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of robotic-controlled systems for automated sampling and analysis of particles and organisms in controlled environments, utilizing devices like optical particle counters, impingers, and impactors, with robotic manipulators for minimal human contact and integrated sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human operators perform particle sampling and analysis in controlled environments, then operational flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but contamination risk from particulate and biological load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sampling operations with an automated robotic system that uses mechanical arms to manipulate sampling devices. The robotic system performs particle collection, device positioning, and sample analysis without human physical presence in the controlled environment, thereby eliminating contamination from human operators while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If automated robotic systems are implemented for particle sampling, then contamination risk is reduced, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various sampling operations, device manipulations, and analysis tasks within a single integrated platform. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into one system, managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate devices, while maintaining the ability to perform diverse sampling and analysis operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic manipulator as an intermediary between the controlled environment and the external operator. This intermediary allows the operator to control sampling and analysis operations remotely without direct physical presence, thereby reducing contamination risk while managing system complexity through a dedicated control interface that mediates between human intent and automated execution.
3Measurement precision
If traditional manual sampling methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and detection accuracy of particles decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sampling operations with automated robotic manipulation that enables more precise and consistent particle collection. The robotic system can position sampling devices with higher precision, maintain stable sampling conditions, and integrate directly with advanced particle analysis instruments, thereby improving measurement precision while the automated nature manages operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system incorporates imaging and sensing capabilities that create digital copies and representations of the sampling environment and particle characteristics. This allows for precise measurement and analysis without requiring manual intervention, as the system captures and analyzes particle data through optical and sensory copying mechanisms that enhance detection accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
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
Reduces contamination risk by enabling automated sampling and analysis with reduced human interaction, ensuring accurate and efficient monitoring of particulate and biological loads in cleanroom environments.
Implementation Method 1
optical particle counters
Implementation Method 2
optical particle counters
Implementation Method 3
impingers and impactors
Implementation Method 4
robotic sterilization of the environment or sampling components
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods allowing for automated sampling and/or analysis of controlled environments, for example, to determine the presence, quantity, size, concentration, viability, species or characteristics of particles within the environment. The described systems and methods may utilize robotics or automation or remove some or all of the collection or analysis steps that are traditionally performed by human operators. The methods and systems described herein are versatile and may be used with known particle sampling and analysis techniques and particle detection devices including, for example, optical particle counters, impingers and impactors.