Rotating Carousel Reagent Handling for Automated Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated biological testing systems face challenges in accurately and reliably loading reagents into receptacles, leading to human error, incorrect reagent usage, and settling of microparticles over time, which affects test consistency.
Innovation Solution
A biological testing system with a load platform, reagent carousel, and transporter mechanism that automatically detects and identifies sample and reagent carriers, ensures proper loading, and uses a rotating carousel to maintain reagents in suspension, preventing settling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading of reagents into receptacles is used, then flexibility in reagent selection is maintained, but human error increases leading to incorrect reagent usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automatic identification and loading mechanisms where the device itself identifies reagents and loads them into the correct receptacles without human intervention, eliminating manual errors while maintaining operational flexibility through programmed sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates verification steps where the automatic identification and loading process is monitored and verified to ensure the correct reagent is loaded into the correct receptacle, providing feedback loops that prevent incorrect loading
2Ease of manufacture
If reagents are stored stationary in receptacles, then loading simplicity is maintained, but microparticles settle over time affecting test consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static storage of reagents into a dynamic process by implementing rotation and agitation mechanisms that keep microparticles suspended in the reagent solution, preventing settling while the reagent is stored and during the testing process
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic rotation or agitation cycles of the receptacles or carousel to maintain microparticle suspension at regular intervals, ensuring consistent reagent composition without requiring continuous motion
3Productivity
If automated head and pipettes are used to transfer reagents, then productivity increases, but complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the automated reagent handling process into separate functional modules: automatic identification system, loading mechanism, and verification system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity with manageable 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
The system ensures accurate and reliable handling of reagents and samples, minimizing human error and maintaining reagent consistency by automating the loading process and maintaining reagents in suspension, thus improving test reliability and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
uses a rotating carousel to maintain reagents in suspension, preventing settling
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A handling device for samples and reagents to be used in testing in a system. Carriers of samples and reagents are loaded on a platform which detects the presence of, and proper loading of, such carriers. The carriers are moved from the platform by a transporter to a bar code reader for identification. A reagent container is rotated during reading to facilitate identification. The transporter further moves identified reagent carriers to a carousel on which the carriers automatically secured for storage awaiting use in testing. The carousel rotates, and selected reagent containers rotate on the rotating carousel, during storage.