Rotating Foot for Robotic Sample Tool Interchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current laboratory sample preparation protocols require manual intervention for tool interchange, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the complexity of robotic systems, especially in high-throughput analytical laboratories.

Innovation Solution

A robotic sample preparation machine equipped with a rotating and vertically movable tool retaining portion that can engage and disengage multiple sample preparation tools without the need to change the entire tool drive, allowing for automated execution of sample preparation protocols through precise motor control and software instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a robotic system is used to automate sample preparation tasks, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of sample preparationVSAvoidcomplexity of robotic instrument

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool drive is designed with a universal tool retaining portion that can accommodate multiple different tool types (piercing tools, needle guides, syringes, cartridges) through a single standardized interface. The rotation means enables the same drive head to perform multiple operations by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized drive heads and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high throughput capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tool heads are used to perform different sample preparation tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to perform multiple tasksVSAvoidnumber of tool drive components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single tool drive head incorporates a universal tool retaining portion designed to accept multiple tool types through standardized interfaces. The rotation means allows the drive head to rotate to different angular positions to engage different tools, enabling one drive head to perform all sample preparation tasks that previously required multiple specialized drive heads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool retaining portion is made rotatable relative to the drive head body, allowing dynamic repositioning to accommodate different tool types and orientations. This rotational capability enables the same static drive head structure to adapt to multiple operational requirements without physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual intervention is required for tool interchange, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of tool changeVSAvoidcost efficiency of sample preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system automatically performs tool interchange operations through the rotation means and vertically moveable tool retaining portion without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the engagement and disengagement of tools based on programmed protocols, eliminating the need for operator involvement in tool changes while maintaining operational simplicity and maximizing throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex tool drive system is used to handle multiple tools, then adaptability is improved, but ease of repair worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to execute multiple operationsVSAvoidmaintenance of robotic system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The tool drive is segmented into distinct functional modules: a stationary drive head body, a rotatable tool retaining portion, and a vertically moveable retention mechanism. This segmentation isolates the complex rotational and movement functions from the simple drive electronics, making it easier to diagnose and repair issues by narrowing down which module is problematic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By using a universal tool retaining portion with standardized interfaces for all tool types, the system reduces the variety of unique components that need maintenance. The same retention mechanism handles syringes, cartridges, needles, and piercing tools, simplifying repair procedures compared to systems where each tool type requires specialized handling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11209446B2Rotating foot for use with robotic sample preparation apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 EPREP

AI summary

An apparatus for use with a robotic high throughput sample preparation machine. The apparatus includes: a tool retaining portion configured to engage and disengage with a sample preparation tool, and a rotation element configured to rotate the engagement portion. Actuation of the rotation element causes the tool retaining portion to alternately engage and disengage a sample preparation tool. The tool retaining portion may be configured to engage multiple sample preparation tool types such as syringes, needles, and media-containing cartridges such as those used for solid phase extraction.