Robotic Sample Handling for Integrated Diagnostic Analyzer Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated clinical analyzers and pre-analytical systems require significant technician involvement, are prone to errors, and lack integration, leading to inefficiencies in sample processing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A high-throughput system with integrated analyzers and pre-analytical systems that include modular components, allowing for flexible assay performance, automated consumable management, and seamless sample transfer, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated analyzers and pre-analytical systems are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of integration requiring multiple separate systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-analytical system and analyzer into a single integrated automated system. The pre-analytical system includes a sample receiver, sample processor, and consumable manager that directly interface with the analyzer's sample holder and reagent storage, eliminating the need for manual sample transfer and system coordination between separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions within a single device: receiving samples, preparing samples through automated processing, managing consumables including reagents and tips, holding samples in a temperature-controlled sample holder, and performing analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed while maintaining high productivity.
2Device complexity
If manual sample transfer and preparation is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but operator errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated sample transfer mechanisms and consumable management. The sample processor automatically transfers samples from the receiver to the sample holder, and the consumable manager automatically retrieves and loads reagents and pipette tips as needed, eliminating manual intervention and associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the analyzer communicates sample requirements to the pre-analytical system, which then automatically adjusts sample preparation and consumable usage. This closed-loop control ensures accurate sample processing and reduces operator errors through automated decision-making based on real-time system state.
3Ease of operation
If pre-analytical systems and analyzers operate independently, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual sample transfer between systems
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pre-analytical system and analyzer into one integrated device, the patent eliminates the time required for manual sample transfer between separate systems. The sample processor and sample holder are part of the same system, enabling continuous automated operation without interruption for sample relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system maintains continuous useful action through automated sample processing and analysis. Samples are continuously transferred from the receiver through the processor to the sample holder and into the analyzer without interruption, while the consumable manager ensures reagents and tips are continuously available, eliminating downtime associated with manual intervention.
4Adaptability or versatility
If technicians manually manage samples and consumables, then adaptability is improved for handling various sample types, but productivity decreases due to significant technician involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system achieves universality by being capable of handling multiple sample types and performing various assays through programmable sample processing protocols. The consumable manager can accommodate different reagents and consumables for different assay types, providing adaptability without requiring manual intervention for each sample type change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adaptability through programmable control that can adjust processing parameters, sample handling procedures, and consumable selection based on the specific assay requirements. This allows the system to adapt to different sample types and assay protocols automatically, maintaining versatility while eliminating the productivity loss associated with manual sample management.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated analyzer (2000) comprising a housing (2010, 3010), a robotic arm comprising an end effector (2360), the end effector (2360) comprising a body (2320) rotatably connected to an articulating arm and first (2363a) and second fingers (2363b) coupled to the body (2362) and being moveable relative to each other in a first direction, each of the fingers (2363a, b) having an engagement feature (2361) projecting inwardly from each of the first and second fingers (2363a, b) and toward the other of the first and second fingers (2363a, b). The automated analyzer (2000) further comprises a shuttle platform (2030) for receiving a shuttle (2030) carrying sample containers (03), the containers carrying sample (03) to be evaluated by the analyzer (2000) and the shuttle platform (2030) comprising a jaw assembly that engages the bottom portion of the sample containers when the jaw assembly is in the closed position.