Robotic Biological Sample Intake With Temperature-Controlled Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic systems rely on manual processes for sample intake, leading to variability, human error, contamination, and inefficiencies, especially in high-throughput settings, necessitating a system that ensures sample integrity and rapid, accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
An automated system integrating mechanical, thermal, and optical technologies for sample handling, using a robotic manipulator to transport sample holders to a temperature-controlled repository, followed by optical analysis with enhanced imaging and AI-based comparison to a database for accurate sample characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual processes are used for sample intake and handling, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to human error and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic manipulator autonomously performs sample intake, transport, and positioning without human intervention. The drawer mechanism automatically receives sample holders and the system self-regulates sample processing workflows, eliminating human error while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with an automated robotic manipulator system that uses programmed mechanical movements to transport and position sample holders. This substitution eliminates human contact with samples, preventing contamination while achieving precise positioning through automated control.
2Reliability
If automated robotic manipulator is used to transport samples, then reliability improves by minimizing contamination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator serves as an intermediary between the drawer mechanism and the repository, transferring sample holders without direct human contact. This intermediary system maintains sample integrity by eliminating human-handled contamination risks while coordinating movements between storage and analysis stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic manipulator is designed with multi-functionality to perform various operations including picking up sample holders from the drawer, transporting them to the repository, repositioning samples during analysis, and placing processed samples back. This universal system handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature-controlled repository is used to maintain optimal conditions, then manufacturing precision of sample preservation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature control is applied locally within the repository rather than throughout the entire system. The heating system maintains optimal temperature only in the specific storage chambers where samples require preservation, while other areas of the device operate at ambient temperature, reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Samples are pre-conditioned to optimal temperature before being placed in the repository, and the heating system maintains this temperature proactively rather than reactively. This preliminary preparation ensures samples are ready for analysis without requiring excessive energy to adjust temperatures during critical analysis periods.
4Measurement precision
If optical assembly with enhanced imaging is used for sample analysis, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly creates high-resolution optical copies or images of the biological samples for analysis. Instead of directly manipulating or destroying the original sample, the system captures detailed visual representations that can be analyzed with high precision, preserving the original sample for potential re-analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct physical sample analysis to two-dimensional optical imaging analysis. By capturing images from multiple angles and using optical enhancement, the system extracts detailed information about sample characteristics without requiring complex physical manipulation of the three-dimensional sample structure.
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
The system minimizes contamination and human error, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of diagnostic testing by maintaining optimal conditions and providing rapid, reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
The biological sample may be sealed within the sample holder using a thixotropic adhesive. The thixotropic adhesive may securely contain the sample during transport and analysis. The thixotropic adhesive may help prevent leakage and contamination.
Implementation Method 2
A predefined temperature may be maintained within the repository during the growth period of the biological sample using a heater.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system discussed herein may include systems and methods for the automated intake and analysis of biological samples. The system may receive, by a drawer of a testing device, a sample holder comprising a biological sample. The system may transport, by a robotic manipulator, the sample holder from the sample drawer to a slot within a repository. The system may maintain a predefined temperature within the repository during a growth period of the biological sample. The system may move the sample holder to an optic assembly. The system may remove, by the robotic manipulator, a coverslip from the sample holder. The system may capture, an image of the biological sample. The system may determine one or more characteristics of the biological sample. The system may execute, based on the one or more characteristics, one or more actions.