Robotic Sample Preparation System for Clinical Specimens
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of large volumes of clinical samples for medical diagnostics is time-consuming, exposes workers to repetitive motion disorders and biohazardous materials, and reduces consistency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-controlled robotic sample preparation system (SPS) that automates the handling of medical samples by using mechanical arms to manipulate vials, decap, pipette, and recap samples, reducing manual handling and improving efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processing of clinical samples is performed, then workers can handle samples directly, but processing time increases and workers are exposed to biohazardous materials and repetitive motion disorders
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs sample processing autonomously without human intervention. The robot uncaps vials, transfers samples, and recaps containers automatically, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating worker exposure to biohazardous materials while maintaining high processing speeds
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations by workers are replaced with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robot uses mechanical arms and grippers to perform uncapping, sample transfer, and recapping operations, substituting human mechanical actions with programmable robotic mechanisms that eliminate exposure risks while improving efficiency
2Productivity
If manual sample transfer and container handling is performed, then samples can be processed, but consistency of sample preparation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates sensors and control systems that provide feedback during sample processing. The system monitors sample transfer volumes, positioning accuracy, and container handling, automatically adjusting parameters to maintain consistent sample preparation across large volumes of processed materials
Solution Approach 2:
The sample processing task is divided into discrete, standardized segments: uncapping, sample aspiration, sample dispensing, and recapping. Each segment is executed with precise robotic control, ensuring consistent reproduction of the same operations across all samples, thereby maintaining high preparation consistency even when processing large volumes
3Loss of time
If automation of sample preparation is implemented, then processing time is reduced and worker safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple sample processing operations: uncapping various container types, transferring different sample volumes, handling diverse container sizes, and recapping. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate specialized devices for each operation while maintaining rapid processing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for automated handling of vials containing liquid medical specimens is disclosed. The robotic system processes the specimens for further downstream molecular analysis. The processing comprises automated vial cap removal, pipetting of the vial contents, transfer of the vial contents to a destination tray such as a multiwell plate, and recapping of the vial.