Sample Carrier Removal Detector for Logic Assignment Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laboratory automation systems fail to ensure the integrity of logic assignments for analytical results, leading to potential wrong assignments due to unintentional interchange of laboratory sample containers, which can result in incorrect analytical results.

Innovation Solution

A laboratory system with a sample container carrier equipped with a removal detector that automatically detects the removal of a sample container and determines if the previous logic assignment is invalid, using a memory element to store and manage this information, and a transponder for wireless communication to prevent incorrect assignments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a laboratory sample container is carried on a sample container carrier in an automated system, then automation efficiency is improved, but the risk of unintentional interchange and wrong logic assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation efficiencyVSAvoidlogic assignment integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting sample container removal immediately when it occurs and invalidating the logic assignment before any wrong analytical result can be generated. The removal detector continuously monitors the carrier, and upon detecting removal, the system proactively invalidates the association between carrier ID and sample ID, preventing potential errors before they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using the removal detector to continuously monitor the sample container carrier status and feed this information back to the control system. When removal is detected, the feedback triggers automatic invalidation of the logic assignment, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability through continuous monitoring and automatic response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual monitoring of sample container interchange is implemented, then logic assignment integrity is improved, but labor requirements and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogic assignment integrityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting sample container removal through the removal detector and autonomously invalidating the logic assignment without requiring human intervention. The automated system monitors itself, detects anomalies, and corrects potential errors automatically, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated detection system using sensors and electronic control. The removal detector uses mechanical or optical sensing mechanisms to automatically detect sample container removal, substituting human labor with automated mechanical/electronic systems that operate continuously without fatigue or error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no detection system is used for sample container removal, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of undetected wrong logic assignment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidwrong logic assignment risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary component - the removal detector - that mediates between the sample container carrier and the control system. This intermediary continuously monitors the carrier status and communicates removal events to the control system, which then invalidates the logic assignment. The intermediary enables automated error prevention without requiring complex system-wide redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting sample container removal and invalidating the logic assignment in advance before any wrong analytical results can be generated. This preventive measure counteracts the potential harmful effect of sample interchange by neutralizing the risk before it can affect the analytical process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3540443B1Laboratory system, laboratory sample distribution system and laboratory automation system

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a laboratory system (200) for a laboratory automation system (10). The laboratory system (200) comprises a sample container carrier (210). The sample container carrier (210) is adapted to carry a laboratory sample container (130) and comprises a removal detector (220). The removal detector (220) is adapted to interact with the laboratory sample container (130) to detect a removal of the carried laboratory sample container (130) from the sample container carrier (210). Furthermore, the laboratory system (200) is adapted to determine based on the detected removal, that a before valid logic assignment of the sample container carrier (210) to the carried laboratory sample container (130) is invalid.